Estelita Aquino Solema Look, was born January 5, 1937 to Dionisio Solema and Constancia Aquino Solema. She was the oldest of 8 children. Soon her siblings followed; Erlinda, Emmiteria, Renato, Mercy, Salvador, John Ces, and Carolina. She was the pride and joy of her parents and grandparents: Felipe and Norberta Gravador Aquino. She graduated from Sto. Tomas College Manila, Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Education. After her graduation news of recruit was needed of teachers in out laying areas of the Philippines, in 1958. After her discussion with her parents, she accepted the position in Lian Batangas, she was able to get housing in Nasugbu with other teachers. During this time, words quickly spread around town about newly young graduate of teachers living in the neighboring town. Narding Manalo, had told his best friend Francisco (who was on leave at the time from the US Navy.) about the young teachers. After courting, serenading and lots of letters Estelita for a year, she finally gave him her sweet YES, that made their relationship official. Since Francisco was in the US Navy, they had a long distant relationship. They kept in touch by mail or his surprises for her during his leave. Six years later, on June 19, 1965 they got married in Muntinlupa City, Philippines. They had only planned the wedding within 3 weeks because he was reassigned to a different base. During their romance he moved to different bases, photos sent to her from Adak, Alaska; San Diego California; Bremerton, Washington, Honolulu Hawaii and many others. They soon found more joy know when they were going to have their first child. Their happiness, became tragic, when Kiko suffered a cerebral aneurysms while on duty and collapse on his ship in Honolulu Hawaii. He was pronounced dead at age 33 yrs old when he was taken to Tripler Army Medical Center April 12, 1967. Estelita often recall the moment she was told of the news, she saw her father from her classroom walking with a couple of Navy personnel. The only thing she remembered they said “I’m sorry to have inform you, your husband passed away” she said her hearing became clogged up, as she watched them continue to speak. It was heart wrenching blow, especially she was due to deliver her baby 3 months later. She became a window and single mother at age 30 yrs old. In respect to her mother in-law Maria Abellar Look, she allowed her husband to be buried in his hometown in Lian, Batangas with military honors. On July 2, 1967, their only child/daughter was born Elaine Fitzie S. Look. Estelita, with the advice from her father, devoted herself to her only child, protecting her, provided, loved her to the end. She did not remarry, nor looked at other men. She was determined to raise their child the best as she could. Her parents, brothers and sisters, all took care of her child as if she was their own. She mourned her husband for years, and worn only black dresses and clothing. She also made sure her child knew her father’s family in Lian, Batangas. Until she decided to move to the U.S. In February 21, 1976, she joined her mom, and her sister Emmie’s family, lived in Midway Island, later in Washington State in Oak Harbor. Then the mother and daughter moved to their own apartment Seattle in 1977. She worked for the Seattle Police Department for a few years, and later for City of Seattle (Seattle City Light) for 30 years. She became a grandmother of three, James Patrick, Kelsie Lauren and Brian Anthony, they were her pride and joy. She had a ton of Nieces and Nephews who she loved, all them called her "MAMA Lollie" . She travelled after she retired, Germany, France, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy and many other countries. She enjoyed having her family around her, family picnics, BBQ and holidays. Her love for her family will stay with them forever. She is survived by her daughter Elaine Fitzie, grandchildren, James (Kathryn), Kelsie, Brian and her siblings, Erlinda, Emmie, Renato, Mercy and Carolina and multiple of nieces and nephews, her grandchildren significant others Alex and Angel and multitudes cousins and friends. Even to the end, all she said “I Love You, Thank You, Thank you”. She will forever BE in our hearts. We miss you Mama, I love you so much.
Rest In Peace.
She is preceded in death by her nephew John Dennis Solema 2016, brother John Ces 2017, Nieces Merna Jonson Palanca; Josie Jonson Rotairo 2017; Brother Salvador Solema 2018; Sisters-in-laws Virginia Look; Nilda Solema 2019; Niece Lynette Solema 2019
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