Estelle Taranto Todaro

Estelle was born in New Orleans in 1941. In 1958, She met Biagio Todaro, a Sicilian native, who grew to be the love of her life. Although neither of them were fluent in the other’s language, their love blossomed into a lifelong marriage where they raised a beautiful family of 5 children. As a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help church, she was instrumental in various missionaries and prayer lines. Estelle always looked for an opportunity to serve God, her community, and her family. As the matriarch of her family, she was a beacon of strength and grace for all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed by everyone who was blessed enough to have had her in their lives.

Estelle was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph John Taranto, Sr. (June) and Frances Uhlich Dugas (Donald Sr.); sons, Joseph Todaro, Biagio “Blaise” Todaro Jr.; grandson, Dominic Avella; siblings, Kathleen Taranto, Bruce Taranto (Loretta), Joseph Taranto, Jr. (Joyann), Vincent Taranto (Marie), Paul Dugas (Shelia), Martha Taranto (John), and Frances Clark; and many nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 63 years, Biagio “Blaise” Todaro Sr.; children, Virginia Abel (the late Kerry), Stephen Todaro, and Maria Nicholson (Barry); loving son-in-law, Francisco Avella; grandchildren, Angel (Miguel), Kerry Jr. (Erin), Virginia (Sean), Christina (Dennis), Francisco (Ruby), Michael (Karla), Matthew (Alyssa), Giovanni, Jennie, Jose, David, and Francisco “Paco”; great grandchildren, Kerry III, Harper, and Ava; brother, Sterling Dugas (Donna); and many other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 1908 Short Street in Kenner, Louisiana on January 29th, 2022. Visitation will begin at 10 AM. A rosary will begin at 11 AM, followed by a eulogy. The funeral mass will begin at 12 PM sharp. A graveside service will follow the Mass located at St. Louis #3 on Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana. The family plans to host a celebration of life in honor of Estelle’s birthday in March.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Our Lady of Perpetual Church in Kenner, Louisiana in memory of Estelle.

To view and sign the family guestbook, visit lakelawnmetairie.com