Carol Aquino Estrella

Carol Aquino Estrella (May 21, 1950 – July 2, 2024) was born in Tayug, Pangasinan, Philippines, the eldest of six children to Herardo and Carolina Aquino. Growing up in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, Carol was surrounded by the love of her family, including her three sisters—Marilyn Simmon, Julie Townsend, Joy Pacifico—and two brothers, Gerardo Aquino and Robert Aquino.

Carol's charm and beauty were evident from a young age. She was crowned Miss High School in 1969 at Urdaneta Community High School and had previously won the title of Miss Red Cross in sixth grade at Urdaneta Central Elementary School. Additionally, she was crowned Her Majesty Queen of Nancamaliran Barrio Fiesta during her teenage years.

On April 27, 1969, Carol married Nestor Estrella in a beautiful ceremony at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Together, they raised four children: Cherry Tolentino, Nestor Estrella Jr., Catherine Estrella, and Christopher Estrella. They were also blessed with nine grandchildren: Alex James, Chelsea Jane, Jasmine, Arianna, Christian, Caleb, Dylan, Stephanie, and Nathalie.

In January 1981, Carol, an American citizen, moved to the USA with her sister Marilyn and two brothers, Gerardo and Robert. They followed their sisters Julie and Joy who had already settled there. After six months, her husband Nestor joined her in the States with their four children, leaving behind his job as an Engineer at 3M Manufacturing Company in Alabang, Muntinlupa, Rizal.

Carol's beauty was matched by her loving, thoughtful, and caring nature. She had an incredible ability to make everyone around her feel cherished and valued. Her passion for dancing, cooking, and maintaining an immaculate home was evident in her daily life. Her generosity knew no bounds; she never hesitated to help those in need.

Carol's legacy is one of love and kindness. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, adoring grandmother, cherished sister, and dear friend. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, her smiles and beauty never forgotten.

A visitation for Carol will be held Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at El Camino Memorial Chapel, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121. The funeral mass will occur Friday, August 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8200 Gold Coast Drive, San Diego, CA 92126. Following, the graveside service will occur Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:30 AM at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121.