Ester Villanueva James

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce that our beloved Ester Villanueva James peacefully entered the loving embrace of our Lord on July 8, 2026, at the age of 79. She was surrounded by her devoted family, whose love and presence brought her comfort in her final moments.

Ester was born in the Philippines on November 22, 1946 to Policarpio Villanueva and Marciana Tolentino Villanueva. She carried with her the warmth, resilience, strength, and deep sense of family. Her devotion to the Catholic faith guided her throughout her life, and she lived each day with humility, kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. She found joy in serving others, welcoming everyone with an open heart, and reminding those around her of the importance of faith, family, and unconditional love.

To her family, Ester was the heart of the home. She was a devoted and loving wife, proud and caring mother to her children, and a cherished grandmother. Her greatest happiness came from being surrounded by family-cooking and sharing meals, celebrating milestones, laughing together, and creating memories that will be forever cherished. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel loved, welcomed, and cared for.

Ester also had a special place in her heart for her beloved fur babies throughout her life. She loved them as a member of the family, showering them with affection, gentle care, and endless attention. Their companionship brought her comfort and happiness, and they returned her love with unwavering devotion.

She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, embracing every opportunity to explore new places while creating lasting memories with those she loved the most.

Ester is lovingly remembered by her husband of 53 years, Charles; her sons June and Albert, and daughter Tammy; her granddaughters, Taliyah Anderson, Jordan Dungca, and Sydney Dungca; her sisters Adelia, Mercy, Emely Villanueva, Evelyn Macapagal, Lolita Martin, and Daisy Garcia; and brothers Henry, Rely, and Ener Villanueva; dear friends; and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness and generous spirit.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ester’s life on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 6:00 p.m.

She will be laid to rest on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL at 9:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/donate.html https://www.americanhumane.org/

Though our hearts are filled with sorrow, they are equally filled with gratitude for the love, wisdom, and unwavering devotion Ester gave so freely throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in the faith she shared, the family she nurtured, and the countless acts of kindness she extended to others. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of our Lord, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.

She will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed. May she rest in God’s eternal peace.