Estella Viola Kangas

Estella Viola Guevara Kangas was born June 9, 1942 in Seguin, Texas to Ofelia and Sabas Guevara and moved to Calexico, California as a young girl. Her family included older sister Rachel Boldin and younger sisters Cecilia Gauthier Christiansen and Chris Mullen. Everyone called her Vi.

Vi attended school in Calexico graduating from high school in 1956. As a young woman, Vi worked for the city of Calexico. She married Eric Kangas in 1967. They moved to San Diego where she attended and graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelors of Arts in 1973 and Masters in education in 1978. She welcomed her only child Erik Kangas in 1972. She has a rewarding career teaching elementary aged students for 38 years, all at Rios Elementary in El Cajon, California.

Over the years she collected bears and bunnies; Vi had exquisite taste and enjoyed decorating her home for the various seasons. Vi had a very close bond with her three sisters. The family enjoyed time together, especially with family traditions like tamale making. They spend most all holidays together as a family. Her pride and joy were her two grandchildren, Carter and Coral.

Diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in 2023, Vi fought the disease. She passed away in her home surrounded by all her loved ones on March 14, 2024. She is survived by her husband, son, daughter in law, grandchildren, sisters, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned for May 11, 2024 at Mira Mesa Presbyterian Church.