Estelita Vega Velasco

Estelita Vega Velasco, a cherished member of the Delano community since 1961, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the age of 89. Born in Lagingbanua, Aklan, Philippines, Estelita's life was a testament to resilience, love, and dedication.

Growing up in the Philippines, Estelita relished the simple pleasures of climbing coconut trees and spending time with her nine siblings and parents, Natalia and Benedicto, in the provincial town of Numancia, Aklan, on the island of Panay. Her pursuit of education led her to study Accounting at Far Eastern University in Manila, setting the stage for a life marked by hard work and determination.

In 1961, Estelita embarked on a new chapter of her life, immigrating to the United States to join her uncle Andrew Escalona in Delano, California. It was here that she met the love of her life, Leonard Tria Velasco, with whom she shared a deep bond and partnership. They were married in Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in September 1962. Together, they owned Leonard's Café for twelve years, specializing mostly in Filipino cuisine. Their café became a beloved fixture in the community, a location for many family celebrations and events. Her cooking was so loved that oftentimes, her daughters' teachers would ask for recipes for her Pork or Chicken Adobo and Pancit.

Estelita was the backbone of her husband Leonard’s political pursuit to run for Delano City Council in 1972, eventually leading to him serving the community for 24 years and three terms as the Mayor of Delano. Together, they made history, with Leonard being one of the first Filipino-Americans to serve in a political office and later the first Filipino to be elected Mayor. Estelita was always by Leonard’s side, supporting him in all of his accomplishments and service to the city of Delano. She selflessly cared for Leonard during his illness until he passed away in 2008. Even after his death, she diligently visited his gravesite almost daily for the past 16 years.

Estelita's impact extended beyond the realm of business and politics. She was actively involved in various Filipino organizations and community endeavors working endlessly to serve the community. She was a long-time member of the Filipino Community of Delano serving in several capacities on the executive board, Past President of the Filipino Women’s Club, member of the Filipino American Educational and Cultural Association leaving an indelible mark on the Filipino Community of Delano. Alongside Leonard, she was honored as a Grand Marshal during Philippine Weekend in 2005, a testament to her enduring commitment to her cultural heritage. She was also honored as the Filipino Community of Delano’s Senior Citizen of the Year in 2013.

Above all else, Estelita was a devoted wife and mother, known for her unwavering love for her family. Her daughters, Leonora (Lennie), Elsie, and Elizabeth, were the center of her world, and she spared no effort in ensuring their happiness and well-being. Her dedication knew no bounds, from cooking fresh steak sandwiches at the café and personally delivering them to her girls at school to ensure they had a good lunch.

Estelita's legacy lives on through her family, including her siblings and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. While her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, there is solace in the belief that she has been reunited with her beloved husband, Leonard, and other departed loved ones in heaven.

Estelita will be remembered fondly for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She was quick to support young people who were fundraising for sports or activities, who were outside a grocery store, or wanting to pick up someone she saw walking who may be struggling and offer to take them to where they needed to go. Her heart was so open to all she met. She will also be remembered for her love of bingo and taking trips with family and friends to her favorite casino. Those who knew her knew that she could always be found playing bingo. Estelita enjoyed the friends she made, and her love of socializing with those she came across always felt that they had made a new friend in her.

Her surviving siblings, one in Delano, and several in the Philippines, along with many nieces and nephews, will never forget the love and generosity she showed to them, as she helped them financially with educational needs, along with sending packages to the Philippines which included crates of apples, grapes, books, and other supplies. She could easily be found making adobo or pancit for family gatherings/celebrations, as well as playing mahjong. It became part of the daily schedule and we always knew the “Joy Luck Club” was in session.

Together, she and Leonard welcomed many family members to their home when they immigrated from the Philippines; oftentimes, living with them temporarily until they were stable enough to live on their own. Her presence in the Delano community will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Estelita was preceded in death by her parents Benedicto and Natalia Vega, her siblings Lucila, Abelino, Lolita, George, Disdado; her husband Leonard, and son in law Theodore Lopez. She is survived by her daughters Leonora Lopez (Theodore), Elsie Davis (Richard), and Elizabeth Ramirez (Daniel), along with grandchildren Hannah Syndergaard (Chas), Theodore Lopez Jr, Sterling Davis (Jennifer), Rachel Leavitt (Aaron), Leonard Lopez, Sophia Birkeland (Harrison), Christian Lopez, and Melanie Ramirez, along with seven great-grandchildren, Marie, Amalie, Clementine, Claire, Eloise, Margo and Andre.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024, from 3-4 pm, with a Rosary to follow at 4 pm, at Funeraria Del Angel Delano, located at 707 Browning Road, Delano. A funeral mass will take place at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 10 am at 916 Lexington Street, Delano, with burial to follow at 11 am at North Kern Cemetery at 727 Austin Street, Delano.

A visitation for Estelita will be held Monday, July 8, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Delano, 707 Browning Road, Delano, CA 93215. A rosary will occur Monday, July 8, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 707 Browning Road, Delano, CA 93215. A mass of Christian burial will occur Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal, 916 Lexington St, Delano, CA 93215. A committal services will occur Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at North Kern Cemetery District, 627 Austin St, Delano, CA 93215.

Services entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Delano, a Dignity Memorial provider.