Estrella Monserrate (Ramirez) Haining

Estrella Monserrate (née Ramirez) Haining born on September 12, 1924 in Lares, Puerto Rico passed away on April 7, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta.  

She was pre-deceased by her 4th daughter Georgina Estelle Haining. She is survived by her daughters Noemi (Jim) Maitland, Debbie Kirkby, Vanita Haining and son David (Alyson) Haining, grandchildren (Peter, Janell, Alaina, Ryan, Jenna, Sean, Suzanne) and eight great grandchildren. 

Estrella bravely ventured from her home country at the age of 18 when she moved to the US (New York City and Scranton, Pennsylvania) looking for opportunities in work and life.  Estrella remained in NYC for 9 years. In 1953, she moved to Edmonton to wed Robert, whom she met in NYC at a YWCA dance.  As was the way in those days, 5 children arrived over the next 9 years. Sadly, the marriage did not last.  Her strong faith (Catholicism) served her well as she mustered the strength to raise her five children with little help, as her closest family members lived in the USA and Puerto Rico. As an immigrant herself, she lent a hand to new Latino arrivals who were adjusting to the cultural shock of landing in Canada. Estrella suffered from Schizophrenia (onset post-divorce) and battled this ailment for the rest of her life. 

Her children benefited from her many skills ranging from gardening, sewing, money management and general resourcefulness. More importantly her unselfish nature was at the core of her everyday life. She rarely took vacations or purchased lavish items for herself, instead, she ensured her kids needs were taken care of first.

Thank you to the caregivers at Wentworth Manor, and those at Garrison Green (Mount Royal Location) were she spent the previous 11 years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church (5504 20 Street SW) on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 2:00 pm with a Reception to follow in the parish hall.

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