Estelita A. Solomon

Estelita was born to parents Simplicio and Emerita Atienza on January 11, 1948 in San Luis, Batangas, Philippines, the sixth of seven children. She attended San Luis Academy high school and received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Far Eastern University in 1971. Estie started her 39-year career in nursing at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Manila before emigrating to the United States in 1973. From 1973 to 1975, she was a nurse at Indian River Memorial Hospital in Vero Beach, FL. She then moved to New York where she landed a job at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn in 1976. Estie was a dedicated professional who provided excellent care for her patients. She was a trusted and well-respected colleague who rose to the position of head nurse of the telemetry unit at Wyckoff before retiring in 2012 after 36 years of service. During this time, Estie maintained licensure in NJ and PA, and was also a member of the NY State Nurses Association. Estie was the first in her family to achieve the dream of coming to America for a better life. She became a proud, naturalized US citizen on October 4, 1984.

Estelita met her late husband of 43 years, Antonio (Tony) Solomon, through common friends while living in Rego Park, NY. They married on June 19, 1976 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Irvington, NJ where they resided for a short time, since Tony was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, NJ. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Brooklyn, NY where they started their family and then settled in Queens Village, NY where they raised three children: EmyLou, Kevin (deceased) and Cathrine. Estie was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church and member of several Filipino social and religious associations.

Estie will be remembered for her kind, thoughtful, and fun-loving nature. She had a passion for helping people and made everyone around her feel cared for. Estie was known for her positive and encouraging attitude, and her ability to make the best of every situation. She was the bedrock of her family, an exemplar of strength, selflessness and unconditional love. Estie was a vibrant soul with an adventurous spirit who lit up the room with her beaming smile, joy and laughter. She was truly an angel on earth.

Estelita was an amazing mother, doting grandmother, generous sister and aunt, and loyal friend. Estie is preceded in death by her husband Tony who passed away just two weeks prior, her only son Kevin, her infant granddaughter Hannah Lynn, her sister Nelda and her parents. She is survived by her daughters EmyLou (Joel) and Cathrine, three grandchildren Leahna, Joleen and Christian; as well as her five siblings: Ruperto; Herminigildo (Aurora); Yolanda; Arturo (Lourdes); Merlina (Eustacio) and many nieces and nephews.

Estelita will be laid to rest on April 28, 2020 at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery in Flushing, NY. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

God has called his angel on earth, Estelita, back home to Rest In Peace with the Lord Jesus Christ. She is welcomed at the gates of heaven by Tony, Hannah, Kevin and all those who have gone before her. Estie, though we will miss your presence greatly, we will keep your memory alive in our hearts until the day we can rejoice in seeing you again.