massive stroke while vacationing in Palm Springs, California.
Born on 15 September 1941 in Calexico, California, Carolina was the only daughter of Gustavo
and Leonila Estrada. She was preceded in death by her father, Gustavo Estrada, mother,
Leonila Denear, brother, Jose “Pepe” Estrada, sisters Josephine Villanueva, Linda Estrada &
Betty Jane Lindsey, and stepfather, Carl “Frenchie” Denear.
A graduate of Horace Mann Middle School and Crawford High School’s first graduating class in
1959, Calina helped coordinate numerous Crawford Class of ’59 reunions in later years, staying
close with many wonderful classmates.
In 1965 Calina joined Ryan Aeronautical as a secretary, later becoming executive assistant to
the controller when the company becameTeledyne Ryan Aeronautical in1969. She retired in
1994.
In 1976, Navy Lt. Bill Eckert asked Carolina for a dance at the Admiral Kidd Club and a
romance began, culminating in a military wedding in August 1977, and 43 wonderful married
years thereafter, with enjoyable trips to many parts of the world.
Carolina was very proud of her Mexican Heritage and maintained close relationships with
Sisters, Brothers, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in Mexicali, Tijuana, Los Angeles & New York City.
Many good times were had in all of these locations and the memories will live on forever. Her
San Diego girls’ sorority, the Iota Pi’s, was known to have shared many fun times as well.
A true American patriot, Carolina was extremely passionate about restoring our country’s spirit
to its previous luster before the Covid pandemic.
Carolina is survived by her husband, William Eckert, Children, Lori Hart “Fleischmann”, &
William Randel “Randy” Fleischmann, Grandson, Bryan Jay Fleischmann, and Brothers John
Denear & Louis Lara, Sisters Maryann Estrada & Dianne Weatherman, and many many
nephews, nieces and cousins.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 12 June 2021 in the southernmost section of Paradise
Point called Vacation Isle Park, on Hibiscus Lane, from noon to 3:00 PM. All are welcome to
attend and celebrate Carolina’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to https://
www.stjude.org/, Carolina’s favorite charity.
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