Connie Estrada

Connie Murillo Estrada was born on December 8, 1933 in Animus, New Mexico to Juan and Christina Murillo. Connie passed away on October 27, 2017 in Bakersfield, California. Connie was loved by all who knew her.

Connie was one of 8 children and was particularly close to her siblings. She attended East Bakersfield High School where she excelled in all of her classes. She enjoyed dancing, especially with her brother, Joe, who taught her how to do the jitterbug. She was a sight to see on the dance floor.

It was at a dance that she met the love of her life, Doniciano "Don" Estrada. Don and Connie married in 1956 and had five children, Ruben, Don, Steve, Cynthia, and Christine. Connie was a homemaker for several years and was a devoted wife and mother. She was fond of her more than 40 nieces and nephews.

From her five children, Connie was gifted with 37 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Connie cherished them all. Connie even took many of them into her home and raised them as her own. Holidays at Connie's home were always crowded, warm, and bursting at the seams with the joy and laughter of a full house. Connie loved every minute of it.

Connie was devout in her faith, and was gentle, warm, and nurturing. She never stood for unkind words or rude behavior.

After raising her children, Connie began working at Brock's Department Store and then later at Gottschalk's in the china department. It suited her perfectly because she loved both shopping and china. And, the employee discounts were much needed for all the Christmas and birthday gifts for her many kids and grandkids.

Don and Connie shared their life together for more than 65 years. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary just one week before Connie's passing. The genuine affection Don and Connie had for one another will continue to serve as a model to their children and grandchildren.

Connie is preceded by her siblings, Lupe Leon, Joe Murillo, and Mickey Murillo, and by her son Ruben Estrada. Connie is survived by her loving husband, Don; her children, Don Jr. and Lydia, Steve, Cynthia, Christine; her siblings, Fred and Betty Lopez, Mary Zaragoza, Juanita Patton; her sister-in law and husband, Linda and Manuel Torres; her grandchildren, Brett and Elizabeth Bayley, Anthony and Venessa Zendejas, Michael Estrada, Amanda Estrada, Christal Garcia, Adam Estrada, Venessa Zendejas and Rodrigo Ochoa, Ruben Estrada, II, Jospeh and Natasha Alaniz, Alyssa Estrada, and Drew Tillett. Of course, Connie would also have wanted to acknowledge her God-son, Johnny Marquez. Connie will be missed by all of them.