Estella (Jocson) Harper

Estella Harper, a longtime resident of Los Lunas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. She was born in 1944 in Quezon City, Philippines. In 1963 she came to the United States and became a US Citizen. This was something she was always proud of, but being as stubborn as she was when customs asked her when her birthday was she told them it was on October 31st instead of her actual birthday all because she liked Halloween. Every year, we were expected to celebrate both birthdays because that's what she wanted and what she wanted she got. She lived in Arizona, Texas, Washington State, and California until she settled in Los Lunas, NM in 1989. Estella loved to cook all types of food, but everyone's favorite was her Filipino food. For many years, she would make her signature lumpia and beef jerky, and that's what she would send or give people for the Holidays as gifts. Anyone that knew Estella knew it was her way or no way. Being only 4'11, she had the attitude as if she was 6ft 5. She had a very strong personality that would leave an impression on anyone she came across. It wasn't normal if she wasn't yelling at you for something. This was her way of saying I love you, and we all knew it. She was preceded in death by her son, Anthony Paul Bussari. Estella is survived by her husband, Gary Harper; sister, Mila Demarest; children, Rose Rainwater, Patricia Dimaggio and Reynaldo "Chapo" Bussari; her 6 dogs; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 27 at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel beginning at 1:00 PM. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., (505)864-4448.

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