Estelle A. Bornhurst passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at the age of 93. Born June 25, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, to Filippo (Phillip) Accetturo and Rocca (Rachel) Lucente, both of Italy. Estelle had a vibrant childhood in the Italian neighborhood in near westside Chicago. Her father worked in building construction, and her mother an expert seamstress. Estelle had fond memories of her parents, sister, and brothers. She shared memories of visits to Lincoln Park Zoo with her father, where he worked for a short time during the depression; and the family attending mass at Our Lady of Pompeii.
The family moved to Los Angeles around the time Estelle was in high school, and she attended Lincoln High School. She and her sister loved going to the beach. At one time, she lived near Dodger stadium, seeing it from her home, and by a diner Frank Sinatra would frequent, which perhaps is when she met ol’ blue eyes.
In her twenties, she worked in the Prudential Building on Wilshire Boulevard, working her way up from an office clerk to a manager of about 52 young women.
Estelle married in 1955, and they had three children. After a time in Monterrey Park, the family moved to Mount Wilson Observatory where Estelle managed the café and raised her children. In 1976, they left Los Angeles for Tucson, Arizona. Estelle worked at Levy’s Department Store at El Con Mall as a personnel manager. On a University of Arizona Astronomy department trip to Vatican City, she and her husband met Pope John Paul II.
After Levy’s, Estelle started her University of Arizona career as an office clerk. Eventually, she managed the Park Student Union Bookstore and Medical Bookstore. Estelle enjoyed working with students and colleagues across campus. She advocated on behalf of the students when they wanted sand volleyball courts by the Park Student Union, and her efforts were successful as they were built and still present. Estelle was passionate about helping students, supporting those who may be in need and providing a mother figure for those who were far away from their own mom. Estelle was a champion of people and helped organize United Way and Community Food Bank drives during her time at the university. Estelle retired in 1997 as manager of the Medical Bookstore.
After her retirement, Estelle continued to serve her community through volunteering and charitable support, some of which included Centennial Hall (she loved a good musical), Desert Museum, Elder Hostel, and Gospel Rescue Mission. An avid University of Arizona basketball fan, she loved to cheer on the Cats, dubbed Grandma by many of the players. She also traveled more, seeing as many places as she could, Italy, Austria, Medjugorje, and many others.
Estelle is survived by her sister Rose, and her loving children Bruce (Susan), Patricia (Scott), and Phyllis (William). Estelle also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Phillip (Melissa), Rachel (Zach), Richard Jr., Mila, and Austin. She is preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Rocca, and her brothers, Tony and Robert.
Estelle lived a full and faithful life, surrounded by love from family and friends. Her faith, many friend groups, travels, activities, and charities, kept her young and healthy for almost all her years. She once said, “her younger friends kept her young,” and that was her little secret. Estelle greeted each person she met with her beautiful smile and a compliment because she saw the beauty and best in people. Estelle will be missed more than common words can express, but we know she is at rest and in Heaven with those she will now call friends, and most importantly God and Blessed Mother Mary.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Estelle, Saturday, September 17, 2022, at St. Cyril of Alexandria Roman Catholic Parish, 4725 E. Pima Street, Tucson; a scriptural rosary will be recited at 9:15 AM followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 AM with the Celebration of Life luncheon to follow at St. Cyril of Alexandria Roman Catholic Parish,church hall.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, please donate in Estelle’s honor to one of her favorite charities or one dear to your heart; Gospel Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Saint Vincent de Paul, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
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