Esther M. Quintana “Grandma Esther”

Esther M. Quintana, 87, of Upper San Pedro, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, after a brief illness. She was born in San Francisco, California, in 1938.

Esther was a deeply caring woman who was loved by everyone who knew her. Over the past 40 years, she found great joy in babysitting, touching the lives of countless children. In her free time, she loved to travel, watch the Food Network, and never missed an episode of NCIS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alberto Serna and Esther Yuzunza; her brothers, Louie, Ray, Albert, and Jesse; and her sisters, Dora, Maria, and Francis.

She is survived by her sisters Linda Winingar (John) and Gloria Ruiz (Fermin) of California, her loving children, Lawrence Ballesteros and wife Jeanette of Florida, Michael Ballesteros and wife Robin of California, Dennis Ballesteros of Espanola, Christine Chowning and husband Chris of Arizona, Bill Flores and wife Linda of California, Lisa Pieniazek of Sandia Park, and Thomas Quintana of Espanola. Esther also leaves behind a legacy of 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren who will dearly miss their "Grandma Esther."

Service Details:

• Viewing: Thursday, September 24, at 4:00 PM at DeVargas Funeral Home.
• Rosary & Mass: Friday, September 25, starting at 10:15 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz.

Pallbearers:

• Lawrence Ballesteros
• Michael Ballesteros
• Dennis Ballesteros
• Bill Flores
• Thomas Quintana
• Lawrence Ballesteros Jr.
• Matthew Ballesteros