Estela F. Banda

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Estela F. Banda on November 21, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born on December 29, 1938. A cherished member of the Laredo community, Estela dedicated her life to her family and her catholic faith, leaving behind a legacy of devotion.

Estela was a loving wife, mother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her husband and her six children, making sacrifices to nurture and guide them through their formative years. 

Her passion for education led her to serve as a teacher's aide in the special education programs at Lamar Middle School and Cigarroa High School, impacting the lives of countless students. After her retirement, Estela remained steadfast in her commitment to her faith, engaging deeply with her community as a parishioner at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church.She devoted many hours to the LMC adoration chapel, where her quiet strength and unwavering faith inspired those around her. 

She is preceded in death by her parents: Francisco Fuentes and Guadalupe Gomez; siblings: Francisco Fuentes and Armando Fuentes; sister-in-law: Elia Fuentes, maternal grandmother: Guadalupe Gomez, and maternal grandfather, Refugio Gomez. 

She is survived by her beloved children: Rebecca Banda, Javier (Diana) Banda, Maximiano (Martha) Banda III, Norma (Javier) Lozano, Selma Banda, and Mike (Guillermina) Banda; grandchildren: Javier Banda Jr., Shaila (James Lumus) Banda, Kimberly (Steve) Hughes, Andrea Lozano, Lisa (Emilio Morales) Banda, Mike Banda Jr., Angel Banda, and Guillermo Lopez; great grandchildren: Isabel, Christofer, Idle, Jiovanni, Natalie, Emilio Jr., Christian, and Karim; and sister-in-law: Guadalupe Fuentes. 

The family will be receiving condolences on Tuesday evening, November 25, 2025 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m. 

Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday morning, November 26, 2025. Mass times are currently pending at this time. For more information please contact our office at (956)722-8850.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Mike Banda, Mike Banda Jr., Angel Banda, Javier Banda, Guillermo Lopez, and Maximiano Banda III.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to Redeemer Hospice and Champion Care Home Health, and Monsignor Alex Salazar, her caregivers: Elizabeth Gamboa, Audelia Villanueva and Maria E. Salazar.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.