As a young child, she would work at her dad's pharmacy and bakery. This was something she was very fond of as her dad was someone who influenced her and her siblings. One of her earliest ambitions was to take advantage of all opportunities when she moved to the U.S. When she arrived, she wanted to become a United States citizen; something that she later was able to accomplish. Estela was a woman who was very dedicated to her family. She was very proud of having a close-knit family, raising and caring for her sons, and taking care of her husband. Mostly, she was very proud of her grandchildren whom she loved so much! Estela worked in the retail industry. She became an employee of the month and employee of the year at her places of employment. She especially tenured her awards from Palais Royal. Her favorite songs included “En Mi Viejo San Juan”, “Let’s Get Physical”, and “Raindrops Are Falling on My Head”. Her favorite colors were red, blue, and purple. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking, gardening, trimming roses, and buying plants. Estela loved working and saving for the future. She often preached to her sons about being good people. She also took pleasure in talking to strangers about any topics they had brought up, going to the church with Velma, and reading the Bible. Her loved ones will forever cherish her memory.
Estela is survived by her sons Gustavo Arturo Velasco II (Cheryl Davis Velasco) and Rafael Velasco (Kimberly Carter Velasco); her grandchildren Timothy Fletcher-Velasco, Michael David Velasco, Tara Michelle Wisnowski, Tiffani Alexes Saenz, Alyssa Renee Velasco, Hunter Aaron Velasco and Shannon Elaine Velasco ; and her sisters Judith Pacheco, Elsa Vergara and Margarita Santamaria.
Estela was preceded in death by her spouse Gustavo Archila Velasco; her father Donato Santamaria and her mother Julia Lopez Beltrand; her sister Raquel Vidal; and her grandparents Benjamin Lopez and Jesus Aleman Beltrand.
A visitation for Estela will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel, 5100 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77022. A rosary will occur Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 5100 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77022. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 22, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5100 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77022.
