Esther Amelia Andrade 89, of Phoenix AZ passed away peacefully on October 9, 2017. She was born on July 14th, 1928 to Ramon and Rachel (Gastelum) Andrade, a southern Arizona ranching & dairy family. Her great great-grandfather, Augustin Marquez, did sculpting work on the San Xavier Mission near Tucson. The Andrade family moved from a family ranch in Tubac to the Phx area in 1920, continuing a rural life in the West Valley of Phoenix. Esther graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in 1945. She married a close friend of her brothers, Arthur Rudolph Killeen who also attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School (preceded in death). Esther devoted her entire life to being a mother, wife and “Nana” to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She especially enjoyed family gatherings at her home in Laveen, Arizona and will be lovingly remembered for hostessing the most wonderful Christmas Eve gatherings filled with homemade tamales, sweet and savory ham and her signature fudge. She was the truly the happiest when her home was overflowing with the laughter of friends and family. Esther is preceded in death by brothers, George, Raymond, James, Connie Andrade Goldian, Dora Andrade Stanley & Hector Andrade. Survived by brothers Oscar (Michelle) & Ed (Peggy) Andrade, her children Arthur (Zip) Killeen, Daniel (Danny) Killeen, Patricia (Tida) Killeen, grandchildren Kelley (Farrell) Perry, Christopher Farrell, Katelin (Richardson) Byrley, Jeff Killeen and Julianna (Killeen) Martinez. A visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 6:30 P.M. on Thursday, October 12, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. A funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, October 13, at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
Tim Killeen
Nana Esther holds a sweet and special place in my heart and memories. Her and Art were there for us at a pivotal time for Kevin and I when we were very young. Our family Christmas Eve gatherings with all the cousins were the best of times! I am grieved to not be able to come home to celebrate her life and rejoice in the life she lived and the people she touched!
My family and I send our deepest love and prayers to all our extended family and loved ones!
To God be the Glory for a life well lived!
Tim Killeen and family (Suzie, Jacob, Josh and Emma)