She'll tell you it's the only way to be...
On December 1st, 2016 our family watched the sunset for our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Sister, Alice Lupe Estrada Simard. Mom was born on October 7, 1936 and at 80 years old she welcomed this new chapter. She was raised in the central valley and along with her family helped to harvest fruit when they were going up. Her father, in or order to make a better life for his children, moved the family to Willow Glen in San Jose California. Mom graduated from Willow Glen High. She supported her family and helped silicon valley grow with her profession being in electronics for 30 years.
There's no time to lose, I heard her say
Catch your dreams before they slip away…
Mom could not be settled into one career and always had her sights on becoming an artist and raising her sons in San Francisco. She continuously strived for an artist adventure even later in life took classes and loved to paint. She yearned for travel and was able to see her beloved Paris, and other than her grandchildren, this was one of the highlights of her life.
Mom loved all who crossed her door, growing up there was never a friend of ours turned away. She made sure their bellies were full and that they felt listened to in time of need. Our dreams were encouraged and nurtured and our friends were embraced and supported. We learned to give of what we could for in the end our relationships would outlast any material items. Her children were all blessed with her recognizable laugh, her larger than life personality and her flare for profanity. She is preceded in death by her Father, Anthony Estrada and mother Isabel, brother Tony and sister Helen and numerous beloved cats. She is survived by her brother Robert Estrada ( Bonnie) and sister, Gloria. Her sons, James Christensen (Aggie), Robert Butler, (Malie), and her daughter, Caroline Zelaya, ( Allier). Grandchildren: Ashley Wright (Mike), Michele Bryson (James), Kelly Marie Butler (Corey) whom she helped raise as another daughter, and her two youngest grandsons Gavin and Greyson Zelaya. Mom had 2 great grandsons, Rory and Malichi.
Please join us in celebrating her life and passing at Lima Family Mortuary in Santa Clara on December 16, 2016 viewing at 10:00 a.m. services to follow at 11:00 a.m. She will then be interned at The Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. We would like to welcome all to join us at Casa Lupe’s at 1:00 p.m. in Campbell for a celebration of life and to enjoy her favorite foods, music and laughter.
In lieu of flowers please donate to our go fund me page:
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