Esther A. Monterro

With deep sadness we mourn the passing of Esther Monterro in Beaumont, California. A very special woman, wife to Rudy for 65 years, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her spouse Rudy Monterro, her two daughters Isabel Hildebrandt (widow) and Rosalise Olson (Mark) as well as five grandchildren, Isabel Junie Hildebrandt (Richard), Katherine Hildebrandt, Marie Hildebrandt, Gabriel Olson (Karen), Rebekah Olson, three great grandchildren Madeline Moon, Lily and Mia Olson. She is also survived by her sister Alice Segarra and numerous nieces and nephews.

Esther had several careers before retiring, at age 66, from Pasadena City College as a computer technician. Once retired she pursued her passion for travel, cruising and visiting many interesting places world-wide with her beloved husband Rudy. Esther adored the arts, frequently attending theater and ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Esther and Rudy were passionate about dancing. Esther was an authority on the Rhumba and Tango. No matter where they danced, they were the best couple on any dance floor. Esther and Rudy always lit up the room when they entered, well-liked and the life of the party.

A few years after retiring, she finally pursued her ultimate dream, tap dancing and performing with the Tap Chicks, a senior dance troupe in Pasadena. What a sight to see the Tap Chicks dancing on a float down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA during the Doo Dah Parade on November 24, 2002.

Esther was active in her church, participating in fund raising through festivals, sponsoring food booths and joining the Catholic Daughters.

She treasured her collection of Native American jewelry, pottery and rugs. You could find Esther and Rudy as regular vendors at the Pasadena City College flea market, selling their exquisite Native American merchandise.

To have known her is to love her always. Esther’s smile, wisdom, grace, beauty, vivacious and lovable personality, her laughter and impeccable sense of fashion were her trademark. Some of her greatest strengths were her keen eye for detail and intense work ethic. Esther was a two-time cancer survivor. She endured many hardships and disabilities throughout her battle with cancer, demonstrating great strength and dignity, never allowing the disease to interfere with her plans to travel and enjoy life to the fullest. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

The visitation will be held at Weaver Mortuary located at 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, CA, 92223, on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Rosary at 6:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 11:00 am, in Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 1234 Palm Avenue, Beaumont CA 92223.

Immediately following the Funeral Mass, please join the family for a repast meal at Russo's Italian Kitchen, 1335 W. Ramsey, Banning, CA, 92220.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggest contributions to the City of God Corporation, in memory of Esther Monterro, a project to provide housing and assistance for the elderly, C/O Fr. Dominic Vu, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 1234 Palm Ave., Beaumont CA 92223.