Estela Cave

― Mother Teresa

On January 11, 2022, Estela Aguirre Baronia Cave rejoined her heavenly family and gained her wings. Estela died from a heart attack 7 days after her 80th birthday at Christ Hospital in which she was surrounded in person with her sons, Roderick Stan and Roger Joseph. She will be remembered by Children: Roderick Stan (Tammy) and Roger Joseph (Jennifer); Grandchildren: Jennilyn Joy, Roderick Stan, Rayne Ann, Raymond Joseph, Roman John, and Rogen James; Sisters: Estefania Ruby, Ching Panaligan, & Elena Baronia; Brothers: the late Emetero Baronia, & Eladio (Toto) Baronia; as well as numerous relatives and friends. She was an outstanding example of a true matriarch and was known as Mama Es by all. She was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Mel in January 2021 and husband, Dr. Rogelio O. Cave in August 2021.

She married the late Dr. Rogelio O. Cave in December of 1968, and they lived together in the North Side of Chicago for about 5 years before relocating to Oak Lawn, Illinois in 1975. Estela was a devoted wife for 53 years and mother to her 3 sons. She loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for her family & friends. Her grandkids and friends were always looking for her pancit, banana bread and adobo. Estela loved good food and socializing, traveling, watching musicals, listening to her husband sing and had a wonderful smile that could light up a room.

Estela was a compassionate spirit whose passion was caring for others. She was an accomplished Nurse. She attended Far Eastern University and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1962. Estela’s career began in 1964 as an exchange nurse at Jefferson Medical Center in Philadelphia then was hired as an ER nurse at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. Other hospitals Estela worked at were at Far Eastern University Hospital, Advocate Christ Medical Hospital, and Roseland Community Hospital.

She was very conscientious in serving her patients with dignity, respect and true compassion. Estela spent her life showing her devotion to the Catholic Church and love for God. Her whole life was influenced by her faith and religion. Estela was also an active member in the Filipino community. She is a past president of the Philippine Medical Association in Chicago- Auxiliary. One of her fondest memories as president was coordinating the Pink Cotillion Ball in 1990. In 1982 until 2019, Estela along with her husband started traveling to the Philippines for medical missions at their own expense in order to help the less fortunate in need of medical care. Dr. Cave and Estela were truly benevolent people who always selflessly displayed concern for the well-being of others around them.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. Friends and family can honor her life at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home (4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn 60453) from 4pm until 9pm on Monday, January 17, 2022. Funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at St. Germaine Church (9711 S Kolin Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453), starting at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ronnie Cave Tribute Fund with Parents Alliance Employment Project. This is to support education and awareness to families of individuals with disabilities. You can make donations here: https://parents-alliance-employment-project.square.site

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