Obituary of Anna Estrada

Anna Rentería Estrada pulled herself and her children up from her bootstraps from farmworker as a child and adult to local Thrift Store manager in Coalinga, California in her 50s. She was the original Can-Do Woman, always figuring out how to furnish her family's home and clothe her children on meager earnings. She inspired all her children to pursue higher education and taught them the value of persistence and hard work, so that they would not have to do the hard, undervalued work that she did. Most of all, she was generous, loving, joyful, and talented, always sharing with others. When friends complimented an article of clothing, she was as likely to give it to them as accept the complement. An extraordinary cook, she always arrived with armloads of tortillas, salsa, apple pie, and fudge. Her roses flourished, as did everything she planted. Dancing and music filled her with joy. She is preceded in death by her son John Estrada and her husband, Jose Q. Estrada. She is survived by her daughter Peggy Estrada, grandchildren Analisa and Gabriel Shields-Estrada all of Santa Cruz, California; daughter Sandra Estrada of Chico, California; and grandson Grayson Estrada of Sacramento, California. Friends may pay their respects at a viewing this afternoon (Thursday) at Holy Cross Catholic Church (126 High Street) in Santa Cruz, form 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. The recitation of the rosary will begin at the church at 6 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday evening, Oct.13th at 5 p.m. at the church. Memorial gathering of family and friends will immediately follow the mass. Burial will take place on Saturday at Fresno Memorial Gardens, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Jose. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial gift to the Alzheimer's Association.