Paula Estrada Tafoya
March 5, 1915 - May 9, 2016

Our dearest Paula Estrada Tafoya concluded a rich and blessed life, a life over 101 years in the making, on May 9th 2016 at the home of her eldest daughter in Napa, CA. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Jesse in Heaven. The second oldest of Rosaura (Silva) and Damian Estrada’s seven children, Paula was born on March 5th 1915 in the town of Asarco in the state of Durango, Mexico while on a trip to her mother’s hometown. She married the love of her life, Jesse Tafoya, on October 26th 1941 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dos Palos, CA. Their marriage produced three wonderful children, Rosemarie, Jesse, Jr. and Linda. Paula was greatly admired for her generosity, humility and kindness. Her life revolved around her immediate and extended family. A wonderful cook, the delicious tortillas she made by the hundreds each Saturday were truly legendary. Always an early riser, all were welcome to the enormous Sunday breakfasts she so lovingly prepared. Paula always managed to find happiness in the simplest of life’s pleasures. A loyal friend to numerous “little old ladies,” her patience and compassion provided her the privilege of being a nanny to countless children fortunate to have known her gentle ways. Her strong and steadfast faith involved a daily devotion to the Virgin de Gaudalupe and silent prayers offered on behalf of all whom she knew. One of Paula’s proudest accomplishments was attaining her United States Citizenship in 1993. She also volunteered her time with the Y.L.I. of Dos Palos and was a founding member of her local branch of the Guadalupana Society. Paula is survived by her daughters Rosemarie Quinlan of Napa, CA, Linda (Eric) Grindeland of Panama City Beach, FL and daughter-in-law Nancy Tafoya of Panama City, FL. She was predeceased by her husband Jesse in 1972 and her son, Jesse Jr. in 2015. She is also survived by her sisters Lupe Bianes of Dos Palos and Consie Navarro of Merced, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, eight grand-children and eleven great-grand-children. She joins her siblings Joe, Louise, Anita and Luis in Heaven. All are invited to pray the Rosary on Tuesday, May 17th at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 1655 Lucerne Street in Dos Palos. A traditional Catholic Funeral Mass will commence at 11:00 am. Words of sympathy may be expressed online at www.whitehurstfunerals.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in memory of our cherished Paulita.

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