Esther Fernandez Algarin

Our Beloved Mother and Grandmother, Esther Fernandez Algarin, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025 in her Hemet, CA home. She was born on November 2, 1944, in Patzimaro del Rincon, Michoacan, Mexico, to Elisa Arroyo Barbosa and Serafin Fernandez Chavez. Esther was the eldest of six siblings and was the backbone of the family. From a very young age, Esther was working on the family farm caring for the land and the animals. She helped deliver her siblings, as midwives were hard to come by in her small town. She took on a motherly role, ensuring that her brother and sisters were enrolled in school and had a proper education, something she was not able to obtain for herself. As a young adult, she was a hairdresser famous for her affordable perms. She also worked at the local tortilleria. Always ensuring her parents and siblings had everything they needed. 

In the pursuit of a better life, she bravely migrated to Reseda, Ca, in 1971. She came to this country with a single suitcase and dreams of being a financially independent woman. She worked long, grueling hours as a live-in babysitter and a cook. She eventually saved enough money to rent her very own first apartment, something she often proudly recalled. In the late 1970's Esther met Juan Figueroa Algarin from Trujillo Alto Puerto Rico. They were married and had their two son's Juan Antonio Algarin and Edgar Balbino Algarin. 

They raised their children in Whittier, CA and in 1997 moved to Moreno Valley, CA. In 2008, Esther sadly became a widow; nonetheless, she persevered. Esther poured her soul into raising her grandchildren. She lived long enough to see them grow into young adults while also getting the opportunity to see her youngest grandson grow. 

Esther was a very strong-willed woman and extremely independent. Despite her age and health complications, she woke up early every morning to feed her chickens and water her plants, boy did she love her plants! Everything she touched blossomed so beautifully. She definitely had a green thumb! Esther was also a very good cook. No family gathering was complete without her famous flan and arroz con gandules. 

Esther was a fierce protector, a great storyteller, and a source of wisdom to everyone she came in contact with. She was stern yet loving, patient, and gentle. She loved to knit, and knit she did. She was very proud of the blankets she knitted for each of her grandchildren. Those blankets are now the final symbol of her endless love. Esther had a special bond with her grandchildren, who fondly remember countless afternoons in her backyard where she patiently taught them the value of hard work. 

Esther will be dearly missed and will forever be a bright, guiding light to her family and loved ones.