Florence Estacio Vincent

On the evening of February 3, 2023, Florence Estacio Vincent peacefully passed away at age 84, in the comfort of her home, where she was surrounded by love. Florence was born on August 15, 1938 in Makawao, Maui. She is proceeded in death by her loving husband Ronald Vincent, parents, Valentine and Emily Estacio, brother Albert & sister in-law Loretta Estacio, father and mother-in-law Lewis and Jeannette Vincent, brother-in-law’s Donald, Julio, and Barry Vincent, John Trevino, Danny Carson, sister in-law Marie Trevino, nieces Donna Vicente, & Jeanine Carson. Florence is survived by her children: Ronald Vincent Jr (Teresa), Rhonda Riewold (Craig), Ramona Booker (Ronald), Rebecca Vincent, Renee Finch (Recco), Roberta Cornelson (David), Robert Vincent, 18 precious grandchildren, 37 adorable great grandchildren, loving brother Robert Estacio (Sandra), great-aunt-in-laws, Patsy Ilshon, Roni LaFlure, (Dan), Tarey & Pamm Vincent, sister-in-law’s Sonia Scalese, Lois Vincent, Kathleen Woodworth (Gary), Marlene Carson, Elaine Barbosa, Margaret Vincent, Karen Vincent, and an innumerable amount of cherished Godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and “extra kids”.

Florence’s Funeral Mass will be held on February 15, 2023 at St Clare Catholic Church- 1950 Junction Blvd Roseville 95747. Viewing/Rosary will begin at 9:30. Funeral Mass begins at 10:30. Reception immediately follows at the Morris Hall on premises. You are welcome to wear Hawaiian attire as a tribute to Florence’s birth place. Her favorite color is pink.

From humble beginnings on the family farm in Pukalani Maui, the Estacio family decided to migrate to California on January 13, 1947 when Florence was just 9 years old. The family settled in the Oak Park area of Sacramento. They embraced themselves in the Portuguese community where Florence and her brother’s, Albert & Robert soon became friends with the older Vincent siblings and their circle of friends and relatives. As a beautiful young woman at age 16, Florence fell in love with one of the handsome Vincent brothers, Ronald. They married, and moved to Citrus Heights to raise their family for the next 60 years.

Florence loved children, she had 7 of her own, however, their modest 3-bedroom 1 bath 1,005 sq ft house was never empty. There were always a few “extra kids” cramped into the small home at any given time, school-mates, neighbors, and especially during the summer when many of her nieces and nephews would stay for a couple weeks at a time. Numerous fond memories were created, BBQs, swimming in the doughboy pool, water ski trips to Folsom Lake, and laughing and having fun all day long, after chores of course.

Both Ronnie & Florence had a philosophy: “If you’re in our home, you’re one of our own”. Florence was the one that rationed the sparce food source, scraping every drop from the bottom of the pan to ensure everyone was fed, warm, and encircled by love. She always put others first and would often go without. Although, if “us kids” got out of line, that Portuguese and Filipino heritage would spark up in her. It would take a lot to get her to that stage, so when we saw her pull the wooden rice paddle out of the drawer, we knew we were in trouble!

Their family grew fast, in fact, one of the “extra kids” (Ronald Booker) a good friend of her son Parco, would marry her daughter Ramona, and became her son-in-law. Ron & Ramona eventually built a home on their property and cared for Ronnie & Florence in the later stages of their lives. Florence loved her son’s and daughter in-laws very much. Not many saw the sense of humor side of Florence, though “try as they may” several of the sons-in-laws would attempt to outwit her to no avail. She held her own and could always joke and tease with the best of them. It was such a delight to experience the laughter at gatherings in the house, and the silly bantering she enjoyed being a part of.

Ultimately, the Grandkids filled her life with more joy, she was an integral part of all their lives, relishing every minute of the births, christenings, birthdays, graduations, Feast of St John, tree trimmings when she would make her yummy spaghetti, learning her recipes, Disneyland trips, etc. Several of the grandkids even traveled to her home town in Maui where she proudly showed them off to her Maui family, shared stories of her modest childhood, and experienced the true meaning of “Ohana” (family). Then came the weddings, as the Grandkids began to marry, their significant others were embraced and welcomed just the same. The next generation begins.

When the Great-Grandkids came along, she continued to be involved as much as she could even as her health was slowly declining. All the Grandkids, including the ones from out of state, would look forward to visits at GG’s house. They would do puzzles together, play along with the game shows on TV, watch old movies with her, join them outside for movie nights, play the slot machine, look forward to The Christmas Bears, and even arm wrestle a time or two. Florence was blessed to actually meet all but one of her 37 Great Grandkids in person. For the first time, she was able to look her newest Great-grandson Cobyn in the eyes, and hugged cheek to cheek the night before she passed. She adored, and cherished, each and every one of them as her special gifts from God. She was a role model with the lessons she taught and the love and wisdom she shared. Her legacy will live on.

Florence was an incredibly humble mild manner woman, with remarkable inner strength. She rarely complained, even as she endured excruciating pain, and she would smile every day. Her answer when we would ask how she’s doing, was always “I’m fine”. She just never wanted to feel like she was a burden. She was definitely never considered a burden to those who loved her. It was our honor and a blessing to care for her as she cared so much for everyone she knew. We will miss the giggles, the silliness, and the simple things the most.

Florence was the quintessential definition of Devotion. She was a devoted wife to her husband Ronald for 64 years, a devoted mother & mother-in-law to all 7 of her children, and their spouses, a devoted Grandmother to all 18 Grandkids and their significant others, a devoted Great-grandmother to all 37 of her Great-grand kids. She was also a devoted sister, cousin, aunt, & great-aunt, In-law, friend, and mostly her devotion to her Catholic Faith was indivisible.

Ironically, Florence was born on a holy day of obligation. August 15, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In our eyes, she lived her life in the likeness of Mother Mary. Florence nurtured ethics and integrity, she cared and encouraged, and never a curse word came from her lips, she accepted everyone for who they are. For those that knew her, we are divinely favored.

God truly sent us our “Angel on Earth”.