Maria Magdalena Estrada

Maria Magdalena was born on June 15, 1930, in Camagüey, Cuba, to Dulce Maria Zaldívar Domínguez and Francisco Roque Salazar Hernandez. She graduated from Camagüey High School and in 1952 earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the República de Cuba Escuela Normal para Maestros de Camagüey.

In pursuit of the American Dream, Maria Magdalena immigrated from Cuba to the United States in 1956. On April 6, 1958, in New York City, she married Humberto E. Estrada, beginning a devoted and loving 65-year marriage. Along her journey to becoming bilingual herself, Maria Magdalena earned her U.S. teaching certificate in order to teach Spanish speaking children, while simultaneously working as a skilled fashion jewelry maker. She later expanded her talents by mastering the art of women’s wig making. In 1960, she and Humberto moved to Dallas, Texas, where they established a thriving men’s hairpiece and women’s wig making business, Humberto of Fifth Avenue, located next to the iconic Majestic Theater. After selling the business in 1967, Maria Magdalena transitioned into a new career as a front desk cashier at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Dallas. Fluent in Spanish and now proficient in English, her exceptional talents were quickly recognized, leading to her promotion working alongside the hotel’s comptroller as an accountant. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication, she earned several awards for her work ethic and professionalism.

Beyond her professional life, Maria Magdalena was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, generously volunteering her time and always offering her help with a smile. Her greatest joy was her family—she cherished her children, took immense pride in her grandchildren, and found great delight in her great-grandchildren. Though quiet and humble, Maria Magdalena was a strong, brave, and beautiful woman who was deeply loved by her family and friends.

Maria Magdalena is preceded in death by her husband, Humberto E. Estrada, her parents, Dulce Maria Zaldívar and Francisco Roque Salazar, her sister, Armanda F.(Charles) Hogg, and her brothers, Francisco E. Salazar, Jorge N.(Rosa) Salazar, Osvaldo F.(Eleida) Salazar, and Ignacio F. Salazar.

She is survived by her brother, Ramon A. Salazar; her children, Roberta (Al) Silva, Rebecca (Brent) Vickery, and Ricardo (Erika) Estrada; her grandchildren, Clifton R. (Liz) Bukowsky II, Courtney R. Bukowsky, Brendon P. (Katie) Vickery, Barrett A. Vickery, Benjamin H. Vickery, Ricardo J. Estrada, Cody L. Silva, Rachel R. Vickery, and Sofia MM. Estrada; her great-grandchildren, C. Ray Bukowsky III, Vivian C. Bukowsky, Jennifer J. Bukowsky, and Owen J. Vickery; her Goddaughters, Anna Corcoran, Mariella Gonzalez and Nancy Salazar; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

On October 5, 2024, a visitation will be held at 8:00 a.m., with a family-led rosary recited at 8:30 a.m. at Calvary Hill North Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:00 a.m. Committal will take place at Calvary Hill St. John Mausoleum at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Mass Intentions be made for Maria Magdalena Estrada at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Dallas, Texas. To schedule a Mass Intention, please contact the church office at (214) 821-3360 or email James Taylor at [email protected].

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Affordable Health Care and VNA Meals on Wheels and Hospice Home Care for their support and care during difficult times.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Maria Magdalena Estrada Obituary - Dallas, TX for the Estrada family.