Edward J. Estrada

It is with the heaviest of hearts and the utmost grief that we announce the passing of Edward Estrada on April 18, 2026, after a brave and strong-willed battle with cancer. Edward passed away peacefully in his home and within the presence of his loved ones. He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Guadalupe, who passed away in December of 2025. He is survived by his four children: Edward, Jacob, Emily and Matthew and his seven grandchildren Jonathan, Jacob Jr., Chloe, Sophia, Daevian, Aubriana and Israel.

Edward was born in Lordsburg, New Mexico on October 26th, 1950 and was raised in Lordsburg, New Mexico by his parents Margo and Lupe. He was the youngest of six children, with siblings Margo Jr., Frankie, Rachel, Socorro and Armando. He has been preceded in death by Margo and Armando.  Edward was a member of the Lordsburg High School graduating class of 1969 and soon after graduation joined the Army National Guard, where he served for over 20 years and retired with the rank of E6-Staff Sargeant. Edward worked as a heavy machine operator for the Phelps Dodge and then later Freeport-McMoRan Corporations for nearly 40 years. Edward was known for rarely missing a day of work and possessing a strong work ethic that was apparent in all he did at his job and in helping family, friends and neighbors with any home projects they needed, which stretched back to the days when he would help his grandmother collect firewood and waking up early to gather eggs for his family.  All one had to do is ask and Edward was there to help

At the prodding of his mother, Edward asked out “the girl working at Dr. Baxter’s office”, Guadalupe Contreras. In the fashion of the old days, he asked permission of her parents to start dating her. Soon after they were married and shared 53 years of a beautiful marriage filled with love, support and laughter. Edward loved and cared deeply for his family. He would often work overtime to afford to give his wife and children the best life possible, including taking his children on trips to Disneyland and yearly fishing trips to the lake. Visits from his grandchildren were always a source of happiness for Edward, as he would take the time to participate in whatever game they might’ve played. Edward always made it a point to teach his children and grandchildren such important lessons including responsibility, helping others, life skills like car/home maintenance and making the perfect Spanish rice.

Edward was an avid reader, whether it be books, newspapers or magazines and he loved to share the knowledge which he had gained. He also loved movies and music, and could be heard quoting his favorite movies  or singing his favorite songs, many being from his lifelong favorite The Moody Blues,  From his youth, when he would take road trips with his friends or wander the desert with his cousins, until the day he passed, he also possessed a sense of adventure, always wanting to try something new, whether it be a recipe or a new place to see.

Edward, with his kind and understanding demeanor, sense of humor and willingness to help with anything, will be sorely missed, and the world will be that much dimmer for his loss. But joy can be found in the many cherished memories shared by his loved ones, the legacy he has left behind and the fact that he has rejoined his love, Lupe, where they can sit together on the porch, watching the day go by and enjoying each other’s company.

A rosary will be Saturday May 2, 2026 at 8 o’clock in the morning at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church to be led by Carlos Bejarano.  A memorial mass will follow at 9 o’clock with Fr. Jude Okonkwo officiating.  Inurnment will be at Shakespeare Cemetery.

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