Estelle Dolores Trapani

Estelle Trapani, 96, passed away of natural causes in San Diego, Calif.

She was one of 11 children born to first-generation Italian immigrants who came through Ellis Island. She spent most of her life in Buffalo, N.Y., where she married Ralph James Trapani Sr. and raised a family.

Estelle will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, an excellent cook and a pie-making machine. She was the quintessential Italian grandma, spoiling her grandchildren and baking their favorite pies. She especially doted on her grandson, Lucca, who has many fond memories of her sweet smile.

Estelle was preceded in death by her husband and her eldest daughter, Margaret (Pelton). She is survived by daughters Joan Galvin and Beth Trapani; son Ralph James Trapani Jr.; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Estelle’s remains were interred next to her beloved husband on Sept. 24 in Buffalo, N.Y. A memorial Catholic Mass, sponsored by Patricia Golay, will be offered for Estelle on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. at Saint Stephen’s Church in Glenwood Springs.