Estela Rodriguez Hernandez's Obituary
Estela Rodriguez Hernández passed away peacefully at home on April 26, 2022 at the young, feisty age of 81 years, in Sacramento, California.
Estela was born to Crescencio and Maria Rodriguez Hernández on January 31, 1941 in Fair Oaks, California. She was raised in the surrounding Roseville, Orangevale and Esparto areas.
After graduating from Esparto Union High School, Estela went onto her career where she served as a Personnel Management and Employee Relations Specialist to ensure equity, fairness and opportunity for her units within various agencies such as Federal Bureau of Investigation, Farmers Home Administration, Office of the Director of Administrative and Information Systems-Personnel Division, Army Corp of Engineers, Department of the Navy, Department of Army, and the Department of Defense. Estela persevered to encourage and support other Latinas and advocated for diversity in the federal workplace. She held leadership roles for the National Organization for Women, Mexican-American Political Association (MAPA) and The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) of Northern California. Estela retired with distinction after 30 years as a civil servant for the federal government.
While Estela was very passionate about her work, in her later years she poured her heart into her family. She is survived by her three children: Mario (Cheryl), Lisa (Annette) and Adrian (Kelly) Vargas; and their father, Spencer Vargas. Though divorced, Spencer and Estela fostered a positive and warm environment for their 7 grandchildren, all of whom “Nana / Tita” held great pride and joy for: Elise, Dominic, Maya, Nicolas, Spencer and Matthew Vargas; Jenna (Brent) Nicholson and Megan (Andrew) Brogan Caine. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, and her siblings Rafaela Powers, Teresa Houar, Lydia Hernández, and Consuelo Hernández.
Estela was an energetic, funny, and creative soul. From sewing to jewelry-making, to cooking and gardening, Estela had many unique talents and hobbies that her family got to experience. Always the life of the party, anyone who knew Estela knew that she did not do anything without flair. She was a posh and elegant woman with an attitude who always knew what she wanted, and never wavered in her devotion and love for her grandchildren and family.
The family will hold a private cremation service to honor Estela, her life and memory. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date with family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Estela’s memory, you may donate to:
Dominic C. Vargas '15 Memorial Scholarship
Archbishop Mitty High School
Office of Advancement
5000 Mitty Avenue
San Jose, CA 95129
https://www.mitty.com/advancement/donation
Tribute Gift: The Gift is in memory of Estela R. Hernández, Dominic's grandmother aka "Tita."
Designation: General Endowment
Special Instructions: Gift in memory of Estela R. Hernández to the Dominic C. Vargas '15 Memorial Scholarship
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