A Tribute to Nacho and Coletta Estrella - 2018
On September 16, 2018, after our annual autumn Amigos Anonymous Board Meeting at Mike and Lupe Miller's home, about 40 of us Amigos celebrated the lives of Nacho and Coletta Estrella. With four of their children present, we expressed our heartfelt thanks for their parents who helped make Amigos possible.
We started by lighting a candle, its flickering light a reminder of our connection with eople some of us may not even have met, but whose commitment and generosity made a huge difference in our lives - a reminder that we stand on the shoulders of our caring elders. Nacho, with Coletta's help (and some from Dr. Florencio Cabrera), was the person who set up most of our projects in Mexico. Together Nacho and Coletta opened their hearts and their home in Apaseo el Grande to Amigos who worked in or visited Apaseo. Each summer their home was Amigos Central. There we could speak English (!) And there we gathered to share stories, beer, and laughter, and sing seek advice, or just relax together. Whatever project we were on, we wouldn't have been there had it not been for these two dedicated, caring people.
As members of the Christian Family Movement, the Estrellas had met Mario and Estelle Carota, Joe's parents, who started the first American college student projects in Mexico in 1961, two years before Amigos began. UC Berkeley students Ron D'Alosio and Judy Cavagnaro worked on Mario's project in Zinapecuaro, Michoacán, in 1962. On fire to get other students involved, they asked Fr. Joe to start a student group to work with the poor in Mexico. Fr. Joe talked with his friend Mario who suggested Nacho and Coletta might help. Having spent some years in the seminary, nacho knew most of the priests in the states of Michoacán and Guanajuato. he explained Fr. Joe's vision of Amigos to them, and some said yes. The rest, from 1963 to 1968 is history.
We were all a part of that history. It is an important part of our lives. We worked side by side with Mexicans to build latrines, give vaccinations, set up a small school, organize renters in a Morelia vecindad or sports systems in small towns, build a potable water system for a poor village, and so on. We learned a little Spanish but more significantly we experienced another culture, rich in ways that helped us understand more deeply our own culture. We grew in our outlook and compassion. And many of us made lasting friends, both American and Mexican. If nacho and Coletta had not said yes to Fr. Joe, this life-shaping experience would not be part of who we are. What a lot to be thankful for!
A recent note from Marcela Estrella to me that Nacho had died in June (Coletta died in 2016) made me and others want to do something to honor them. Aware of the impact of their lives on us Amigos, the Amigos Board of Directors decided on a tribute. It took the form of a gift of money we'd donate to the Estrella's oldest child, Tomas, who works with poor people of Apaseo as a doctor. With our gift he would be able to buy much needed medical equipment for his practice. the outpouring of generosity from many Amigos has enabled us to send Tomas $3,500. thanks to all Who made this gift possible.
Our memorial that afternoon, especially with Nacho and Coletta's children Nachito, Mary Frances, Marcela, and Luis (and some of their families) present, added a personal and direct touch to our tribute. I read written comments from some who sent in donations. Mary Pat (Lett) Ashby wrote, "Nacho and Coletta were such an important part of our lives and I have been eternally grateful for the love and kindness they showed us." Carolyn (Davidson) Whitfield summarized her gratitude, "What an amazing legacy they left in Amigos that touched so many lives and continues to do so." Rosemary Rasori hit a humorous note that drew the laughter of several couples present: "Amigos made a big difference in all our lives. For starters, Phil and I would not have met nor would our children have been born!" Evelyn (Kohl) Latorre sent two stories (check our Amigos Anonymous website under Stories) and this grateful comment:
"I was among the thirteen young women assigned to work in Apaseo the summer of 1963. Our main projects - starting a school in La Villita and a library in Apaseo's church - were arranged by Nacho and Coletta. Under their guidance we completed both projects within my six week stay. The dedicated husband and wife team outlined our projects, found the homes we'd live in, and suggested people in the community with whom we cold collaborate. The generosity of the Estrella's changed my life. My experience in Mexico inspired me to join the Peace Corps.
I often remark that I accomplished more in my six weeks in Mexico than in my two years serving in the Peace Corps in Peru. the difference can be directly attributed to the generosity and organizational skills of nacho and Coletta. I thank them both."
Kay (Leppert) Cabrera and Rick Champion added their appreciation and lively anecdotes, and Mary Caye Lagomarsino shared why Amigos was so significant for her (and the rest of us). Then Mike Miller presented a beautiful plaque to Nachito for the whole family. Its English translation reads:
In Loving Memory
of
Sr. Ignacio Estrella Primo
April 9, 1924 - June 25, 2018
Sra. Coletta Sweeney de Estrella
February 7, 1927 - November 4, 2016
With heartfelt gratitude
for their
indispensable commitment
exceptional help
generous hospitality
and
affectionate friendship
toward
the Amigos Anonymous
from 1963 to 1968
Apaseo el Grande
2018
Everyone was invited to take a Memento Card with Nacho and Coletta's photo and the plaque's message on it, and then we concluded with Mike McKenna's rousing updated, comic version of Fr. Joe's Amigos Theme Song. It starts out: "Here we are an again crew, assorted codgers through and through . . ." For the rest of the lyrics, just look in the mirror, mull over your aches and pains, your sore back and knees, and your growing collection of medicines. Then sing an oldster's version of that youthful idealism in the shower. You get the gist!
No gathering of Amigos is complete without a potluck feast. But ours for that special occasion was scrumptious. Everyone brought tasty hors d'eurves or eye popping desserts, but the "crème de la crème," as Chef don Nacho Estrella used to say on presenting his exquisite paella to his guests, were the main dishes: Luis Estrella brought his specialty, Cochinita Pibil; Mary Frances Estrella prepared her spiced Spanish Rice, and host Lupe Miller completed the culinary highlights with two rich dishes, Carne en Su Jugo and Costillas de Puerco en Salsa Roja.
The day was uplifting. Being together, so many of us with the Estrella children to honor their parents' legacy; sharing current commitments and abiding memories, funny and inspiring; and felling the long arc of gratitude swell our spirit, we headed homeward, touched with blessings: yes, standing gratefully on the shoulders of our elders.
Dan Onorato
October 2018
On September 16, 2018, after our annual autumn Amigos Anonymous Board Meeting at Mike and Lupe Miller's home, about 40 of us Amigos celebrated the lives of Nacho and Coletta Estrella. With four of their children present, we expressed our heartfelt thanks for their parents who helped make Amigos possible.
We started by lighting a candle, its flickering light a reminder of our connection with eople some of us may not even have met, but whose commitment and generosity made a huge difference in our lives - a reminder that we stand on the shoulders of our caring elders. Nacho, with Coletta's help (and some from Dr. Florencio Cabrera), was the person who set up most of our projects in Mexico. Together Nacho and Coletta opened their hearts and their home in Apaseo el Grande to Amigos who worked in or visited Apaseo. Each summer their home was Amigos Central. There we could speak English (!) And there we gathered to share stories, beer, and laughter, and sing seek advice, or just relax together. Whatever project we were on, we wouldn't have been there had it not been for these two dedicated, caring people.
As members of the Christian Family Movement, the Estrellas had met Mario and Estelle Carota, Joe's parents, who started the first American college student projects in Mexico in 1961, two years before Amigos began. UC Berkeley students Ron D'Alosio and Judy Cavagnaro worked on Mario's project in Zinapecuaro, Michoacán, in 1962. On fire to get other students involved, they asked Fr. Joe to start a student group to work with the poor in Mexico. Fr. Joe talked with his friend Mario who suggested Nacho and Coletta might help. Having spent some years in the seminary, nacho knew most of the priests in the states of Michoacán and Guanajuato. he explained Fr. Joe's vision of Amigos to them, and some said yes. The rest, from 1963 to 1968 is history.
We were all a part of that history. It is an important part of our lives. We worked side by side with Mexicans to build latrines, give vaccinations, set up a small school, organize renters in a Morelia vecindad or sports systems in small towns, build a potable water system for a poor village, and so on. We learned a little Spanish but more significantly we experienced another culture, rich in ways that helped us understand more deeply our own culture. We grew in our outlook and compassion. And many of us made lasting friends, both American and Mexican. If nacho and Coletta had not said yes to Fr. Joe, this life-shaping experience would not be part of who we are. What a lot to be thankful for!
A recent note from Marcela Estrella to me that Nacho had died in June (Coletta died in 2016) made me and others want to do something to honor them. Aware of the impact of their lives on us Amigos, the Amigos Board of Directors decided on a tribute. It took the form of a gift of money we'd donate to the Estrella's oldest child, Tomas, who works with poor people of Apaseo as a doctor. With our gift he would be able to buy much needed medical equipment for his practice. the outpouring of generosity from many Amigos has enabled us to send Tomas $3,500. thanks to all Who made this gift possible.
Our memorial that afternoon, especially with Nacho and Coletta's children Nachito, Mary Frances, Marcela, and Luis (and some of their families) present, added a personal and direct touch to our tribute. I read written comments from some who sent in donations. Mary Pat (Lett) Ashby wrote, "Nacho and Coletta were such an important part of our lives and I have been eternally grateful for the love and kindness they showed us." Carolyn (Davidson) Whitfield summarized her gratitude, "What an amazing legacy they left in Amigos that touched so many lives and continues to do so." Rosemary Rasori hit a humorous note that drew the laughter of several couples present: "Amigos made a big difference in all our lives. For starters, Phil and I would not have met nor would our children have been born!" Evelyn (Kohl) Latorre sent two stories (check our Amigos Anonymous website under Stories) and this grateful comment:
"I was among the thirteen young women assigned to work in Apaseo the summer of 1963. Our main projects - starting a school in La Villita and a library in Apaseo's church - were arranged by Nacho and Coletta. Under their guidance we completed both projects within my six week stay. The dedicated husband and wife team outlined our projects, found the homes we'd live in, and suggested people in the community with whom we cold collaborate. The generosity of the Estrella's changed my life. My experience in Mexico inspired me to join the Peace Corps.
I often remark that I accomplished more in my six weeks in Mexico than in my two years serving in the Peace Corps in Peru. the difference can be directly attributed to the generosity and organizational skills of nacho and Coletta. I thank them both."
Kay (Leppert) Cabrera and Rick Champion added their appreciation and lively anecdotes, and Mary Caye Lagomarsino shared why Amigos was so significant for her (and the rest of us). Then Mike Miller presented a beautiful plaque to Nachito for the whole family. Its English translation reads:
In Loving Memory
of
Sr. Ignacio Estrella Primo
April 9, 1924 - June 25, 2018
Sra. Coletta Sweeney de Estrella
February 7, 1927 - November 4, 2016
With heartfelt gratitude
for their
indispensable commitment
exceptional help
generous hospitality
and
affectionate friendship
toward
the Amigos Anonymous
from 1963 to 1968
Apaseo el Grande
2018
Everyone was invited to take a Memento Card with Nacho and Coletta's photo and the plaque's message on it, and then we concluded with Mike McKenna's rousing updated, comic version of Fr. Joe's Amigos Theme Song. It starts out: "Here we are an again crew, assorted codgers through and through . . ." For the rest of the lyrics, just look in the mirror, mull over your aches and pains, your sore back and knees, and your growing collection of medicines. Then sing an oldster's version of that youthful idealism in the shower. You get the gist!
No gathering of Amigos is complete without a potluck feast. But ours for that special occasion was scrumptious. Everyone brought tasty hors d'eurves or eye popping desserts, but the "crème de la crème," as Chef don Nacho Estrella used to say on presenting his exquisite paella to his guests, were the main dishes: Luis Estrella brought his specialty, Cochinita Pibil; Mary Frances Estrella prepared her spiced Spanish Rice, and host Lupe Miller completed the culinary highlights with two rich dishes, Carne en Su Jugo and Costillas de Puerco en Salsa Roja.
The day was uplifting. Being together, so many of us with the Estrella children to honor their parents' legacy; sharing current commitments and abiding memories, funny and inspiring; and felling the long arc of gratitude swell our spirit, we headed homeward, touched with blessings: yes, standing gratefully on the shoulders of our elders.
Dan Onorato
October 2018