Estelle Lorraine Chandler

Estelle Lorraine Chandler, lovingly known as Lora, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on September 15, 1948, in San Antonio to Edmund and Stella Galvan, she lived a life filled with compassion, creativity, and joy. Growing up as “Cha Cha” in Olmos Park, she formed her first lifelong bond with the twins next door, Patricia and Pamela Gerald, a friendship and sisterhood that lasted nearly 75 years.

Lora’s heart was first drawn to the arts. A passionate dancer and performer, she trained at the Arkansas Arts Center School of Art and Drama in Little Rock, where she met lifelong friends, including Ron Nash, who later became the godfather to her granddaughter, and Michael Kidder. It was also there that she met her future husband, Paul E. Chandler. She later earned the honor of attending The Juilliard School in New York, an achievement that reflected her exceptional talent, discipline, and grace. Lora and Paul moved to New York together, where he attended Pratt Institute.

On October 19, 1968, Lora married Paul, marking the beginning of a partnership that would last more than five decades. Paul affectionately called her “Lori.” They raised two children, Beckett Edward and Alexandria Celeste, and built a home rich with love, laughter, and adventure. Their years in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Hastings on Hudson, and Wappingers Falls were filled with trips to Vermont cabins and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard. In Wappingers Falls, she formed another special friendship, lasting more than 40 years, with Jackie Bonner who became Tyler's godmother.

After moving to Plano in 1985, Lora joined the sorority group Beta Sigma Phi, where she became part of “The Magnificent Seven,” a close-knit circle of friends that lasted over three decades.

As her children grew, Lora pursued her interest in the human mind, eventually earning her master’s degree in psychology from the University of North Texas. She dedicated her career to helping others as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and Biofeedback therapist. She helped spearhead Baylor’s Pain Management program for 18 years and later counseled survivors of domestic violence at Hope’s Door New Beginnings. She was also a proud member of the Biofeedback Society of Texas. Supporting others through difficult moments was her calling until her retirement in 2021.

Lora loved to travel, especially with Paul. Together they explored Europe, including Greece, Rome, and London. They sailed along the Alaskan coast and vacationed in Mexico many times, including a memorable family trip to Cozumel in 1986. They shared a dream of retiring in Costa Rica.

Her greatest joy was her family. Becoming “Gigi” to her grandchildren, Nikkolina Rayne and Tyler David, expanded her heart even more. She and “Poppi,” as Paul was known, created cherished memories with them across their lives. Lora shared an especially close bond with Nikki that began the day Nikki was born. She helped raise her, giving her first bath, singing to her and Tyler for hours, offering guidance at every age, and becoming a trusted confidant throughout her life. As Nikki grew older, their shared passion for psychology added a new layer to their unbreakable bond.

In her later years, she loved reading, watching movies, and enjoying murder mysteries with her daughter, Alex, and her grandson, Tyler, with whom she lived from 2017 to 2025. A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, she celebrated every win and stood by every loss with complete conviction that yes, Dez caught it. She loved live theater, community outings, and simple “rides in the car car.” She and her family cared deeply for one another.

Throughout her life, Lora cultivated friendships that lasted decades. She touched the lives of neighbors, coworkers, hairdressers, massage therapists, and even private physicians. She was loved widely and well.

Lora was a fighter. She faced personal and medical challenges with perseverance, grace, and an unwavering spirit. Her resilience shaped both her life and her legacy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Stella Galvan; her husband, Paul; her son, Beckett; her sister, Elva Gardner; and her beloved pets, Brandy, Ninja, Zoey, Lucy, Ethel, and Molly. She is reunited with many lifelong friends in His grace.

She is survived by her daughter, Alexandria Chandler; her grandchildren, Tyler Chandler and Nikkolina Prueitt with her husband Tre; her great-grandchildren, Reed, Ronin, and their expected baby girl; her brothers, Arthur and Rolan Galvan; her nephew, Gabriel Gardner; her close cousins, Elizabeth, Terri, and Steve; extended family across many states; and her beloved dogs, Roxie and Sadie.

Lora leaves behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, resilience, and love. Whether you knew her as Cha Cha, Lori, Lora, Momma, or Gigi, she will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have known her.

“I hope you dance.”

A Celebration of Life will be held in Floresville, Texas at a date to be determined after the New Year.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her grandchildren or great-grandchildren's future. Text daughter for address, or Zelle (972) 333-8083 memo: c/o Lora Chandler