Flor Estela Velasquez

Flor Estela Galvan Velasquez, affectionately nicknamed by her older brothers as “Telita,” was born on March 10, 1936, in Rancho Banquete, Texas, to parents Sabas Galvan and San Juana Rodriguez Bocanegra Galvan.

Flor Estela is preceded in death by her husband Reyes Mata Velasquez, her daughter, Estela Flor Velasquez, her sisters, Aurora Galvan and Guadalupe Galvan Jimenez, and three brothers, Manuel Galvan, Juan Galvan, and Jose Galvan, all from Texas.

Flor Estela is survived by her children, David G. Velasquez, Sylvia Zavala, Elda De La Garza, Lorena V. Ramos and her husband Rudy Ramos, Maria V. Alanis and her husband, Homero, and Ruby V. Medina and her husband, Ruben C. Medina, along with 12 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Flor Estela grew up in El Rialito, Tamaulipas, Mexico, where she helped her father run a small grocery store, and make caramel candy throughout her childhood and into her teen years. Flor Estela learned to sew dresses and other clothing items from her mother. She was a beautiful, energetic, and spirited child. Talkative and bright with a beautiful smile.

At the age of eighteen, Flor Estela married Reyes Mata Velasquez and the couple traveled around the United States following field work in every season of the year. States that Reyes and Flor Estela visited include Nebraska, Michigan, Missouri, Washington, Florida, Illinois, Idaho, and California. Along the way, Flor Estela and Reyes began to raise a family. First came David, born in Texas, then Sylvia, born in Idaho. Upon their temporary return to Mexico, two more daughters were born, Estela and Elda. The final three daughters, Lorena, Maria, and Ruby, were born in Fowler and Reedley, California, respectively.

In 1963, Flor Estela decided to settle in California due to its mild climate and abundant sunshine. Most of the family’s stay in California was spent in or around Sanger, where Reyes took on a job managing a citrus ranch and Flor Estela worked in fields while raising her children. When it came time for full retirement, Flor Estela and Reyes moved into a modest home in Wonder Valley,

True to her name, Flor (Flower in Spanish) loved flowers and plants. Her garden brought her comfort and happiness like nothing else. For her children, friends, and family, Estela’s lush and colorful garden was a little slice of heaven. It was often referred to as “paradise” by visitors.

Flor Estela was a wonderful cook. She made traditional Mexican dishes such as pork tamales and pozole with such love and care that they brought rave reviews from all who tried them.

Estela enjoyed the outdoors, preferring beaches over mountains, often visiting small towns on the central coast and Baja California, where she collected seashells and sand dollars and fished from the ocean’s shoreline.

Flor Estela loved to sing. She had a beautiful singing voice and often sang duets with Reyes while driving or simply relaxing at home.

Flor Estela was a devout and faithful follower of Jehovah God. Flor Estela was introduced to the Jehovah’s Witness organization by her sister-in-law, Micaela Cantu Velasquez. The two shared the bond of spiritual sisterhood as well as a close family bond. Flor Estela loved sharing her faith with others, leaving hope and happiness in her wake as she moved on from workplace to workplace. Flor Estela never stopped reading her Bible. It was her favorite pastime, and she often spoke about what she had read. Flor Estela’s yearly goal was to read the Bible from cover to cover.

Flor Estela tried very hard to steer others onto a spiritual path. If you got counseled/lectured by Flor Estela, it meant she cared enough about you to risk upsetting you. In other words: If she lectured you, she loved you. In her opinion, it was the best way to help you along your path.

In later years, when Flor Estela could no longer share her hope and faith with others due to age-related restrictions, she sat quietly at home, ever faithful to her Lord, Jehovah, speaking his name often. Jehovah’s name was so ingrained in her that she sometimes prayed and spoke His name unaware she was even doing it.

Flor Estela will be greatly missed by her children, family, and friends.

See you soon, Mama.

We love you.

♥