Estela Digamon Maniquis

Estela Digamon Maniquis, 72, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2020. She was born on December 21, 1947 in Oroquieta City, Philippines. She was preceded in death by her parents Ret. Col. Narciso/Basilisa Digamon and her husband Jose “Jun” Maniquis.

She was survived by her four children and family; Elaine and husband Casil, Eleanor and husband Glenn, Jose Narciso and wife Adelyn, and Judy Eloisa as well as grandchildren Kyle, Leann, Sydney, Adrien, Aiden and dog Angelo.

Estela was an extraordinary mother who stood tall despite her petite physical stature. It’s amazing how her towering influence on her family was not driven by force or intimidation, but by her gentle words and patience. Her father Narciso once said, gentleness and silence are not signs of weakness but “strength of character from within” which aptly described Mommy Estela also nicknamed “Ging”. She was a generous and thoughtful Lola Ging to her grandchildren who all loved her so dearly. She lived most of the year in North Carolina but frequently travelled to the Philippines and Canada to visit. She was a constant presence in all her grandchildren’s lives from the day they were born and never missed special milestones and celebrations. Her calendar was already marked as to where she would be on specific dates. We just never anticipated she would be gone too soon.

Estela was a beautiful person inside and out. She may be a private and quiet person on your first impression but once you got to know her, she would fascinate you with her knowledge on beauty, skin care regimen, social media likes and her favorite Filipino telenovelas. She was the first person to like our Facebook status, readily available to pray with her Bible study group or first to join in our family chat group. She was more than skin deep as she unselfishly dedicated most her time taking care of her aging now deceased parents until their twilight years and serving the Lord as puts priority on Him and her family’s well being above her own welfare.

She will surely be missed by all who knew and loved her, but we rejoice in the knowledge that Heaven has a new star “Estela” shining brightly and smiling beautifully above us.

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304. On-line condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com.