Estella Orpha Cox

Stella was born and raised in Westminster, California. She attended Hoover Street School, graduated from Huntington Beach High. She traveled to Alaska and resided with her first husband Joe Cardillo. After their divorce, she moved back to California and married her true love, Gerald Cox (who preceded her in death in 1986).

Together, they raised their family in their Stanton, California, home. Stella was very active in her community, a member or volunteer of many various organizations, including; PTA, Girl and Boy Scouts, church, carnivals, Miss Stanton Pageant, Stanton Days, as well as other community events. She was also a board member of S.N.P. Inc. , later becoming the director for over 30 years. Stella donated and volunteered countless unpaid hours, to keep the doors open for the youth in the community. She would often turn around her own paycheck and donate it back into the center for program supplies, food pantry items or just lend her helping hands or offer a ride to where someone needed to go.

Stella also worked as a community liaison for Garden Grove Unified School District for over 20 years. She would translate for teachers, parents, and students, to help them with their needs, and help students obtain the best education possible. She was a good listener and advisor, helping with hope they would make the right choice.

Stella was recognized by various organizations for her outstanding contributions to the City of Stanton, it's residents, and youth, as well as from Garden Grove Unified School District. Stella received the highest honor by receiving "Woman of the Year" from American Legion post. L.U.L.A. C. also honored her for her contributions to the hispanic community.

Stella O. Cox, was preceded in death by her parents, Pablo and Marcellina De La Cruz, brother Martin, Richard, Sam, and sister Henrietta. She is survived by her sister, Ruth Banagas, and her 5 children Marcella, Geraldine, Gerald, Rebecca, and Harold. She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, whom touched their Nanas heart as did many other children in the community. We have lost a great warrior who has left a life long legacy here.

"Don't cry for me, I am pain free, and able to travel freely now" Big hugs and kisses... Love you my Chick-A-Dees" ~nana

Services for Estella O Cox are as follows:

Garden Grove United Methodist Church, 12741 Main St. , Garden Grove, California 92840

Viewing 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Service 11:30 am to 12:30 am

For immediate family only or those wishing to follow Stella's "last cruise"

Interment at Westminster Memorial Park Cemetery, immediately following services.