Estrella Umbay Noroño Parrington

Estrella "Ester" was born on January 4, 1957, in Baybay, Leyte, in the Philippines, where her life began in the heart of a vibrant and loving culture. She passed away on April 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and generosity that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Mary Grace; her grandsons Vin Diezelle and Jumdelle, and her granddaughter Rhean May, all still residing in the Philippines; her loving husband of 35 years, Russ; her stepdaughter Julie; her granddaughter Danielle and her husband Jeff; and her great-granddaughter Haleigh Nicole. She was preceded in death by her son Marlon, her daughter Michelle, and her stepson Matthew.

Ester came to the United States in 1991 and became a burst of light and laughter for nearly four decades. She quickly found her people in San Leandro, forming an inseparable bond with her dear friends Lanie, Lydia, Lani, Winnie, and Ludie — a group lovingly known as the Filipina Clique. Together they filled countless evenings with dinner parties, inside jokes in Tagalog, joyful laughter, and of course, karaoke.

Ester had a nurturing spirit that extended to all living things. She cared tenderly for outdoor stray cats and birds, and cultivated a beautiful garden full of flowers and homegrown produce. She was always ready to feed or give gifts to anyone at a moment's notice, asking nothing in return. She volunteered with the American Legion and worked tirelessly behind the scenes whenever Russ needed an extra hand.

She loved to shop, repurpose treasures, and craft. Music was the language of her soul — she leaves behind countless notebooks filled with song lyrics she wrote herself, a testament to the melody she brought to everything she touched.

Ester will be deeply and profoundly missed by all who had the joy of knowing her.

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