Obituary of Regina Cabrera Estrella

The family of Regina Cabrera Estrella with heavy hearts, sadly reports she has passed away. And while those who are left behind miss the effervescence of her spirit, for every room was always filled with joy and happiness when she was in it, we are glad for she has rejoined our Father in heaven and has reunited into the arms of her family members who departed before her. Regina was truly regal, as her name defines, “the reigning queen.” She was naturally beautiful, intelligent, graceful, forgiving and lovable. She was vibrant and successful in life, patient, always learning and adapting, always looking forward, and kept Faith. Regina did not judge and was always kind and generous – a role model for the world. She grew up in the Philippines. Regina was a child during World War II and during invasions, she remembered her family dressing her as a boy and taking her to hide in the tunnels at the base of Mount Arayat to avoid harm or worse – capture. As a young lady, she attended Mapa High School and University of the East. She was often nominated and crowned as one of the beauties from among her classmates. Some of the crowns she wore were: Miss Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior; La Cambini nag buklod nag wika (Queen of the Filipino National Language); Miss Red Cross; and Sweetheart of the Fraternity. She studied Banking and Finance. While working in San Lazaro’s Chief Accountant’s Office, Regina met a sailor in the US Navy, Edilberto “Eddie” Estrella, who became her husband. They wed in 1961 and within five years immigrated to the United States. Regina and Eddie have resided in San Diego since 1966. She raised the family in the US and held many jobs from making and selling Filipino food, selling encyclopedias and Avon, sorting mail, and canning tuna. Through her ambition she was able to provide for the family via many jobs, Regina eventually became a very successful realtor for Century21 Award in Bonita, CA for 20 years. She was strong and brave; and met and conquered the challenges of transitioning her young family to a new life in a new country. In life, she embodied the words of Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give.” Regina is survived by her husband, Eddie; her daughter, Lisa and Dinna; her son, Earl; her grandchildren, Isabelle and Abigail; and her great grandchild, Zoe; And Ed, Rea, Elise, Keith, Janessa and Joshua. Many thanks to the outpouring of love and support from family and friends here in the US and the Philippines; and to the staff of Sharp Hospice, Vic and Nadine for their customer care. Rest in Peace mom and party in heaven. Love, Dinna