Gladys Estrella

Gladys Azucena Estrella Maldonado, known to her Family & friends as “Gladycita" and "Doña Gladys,” passed away on May 13, 2025, at 87 years of age. 

Born in Quito, Ecuador, Gladys married her companion of 59 years, Juan Basillo, in 1964.  Gladys and son (Diego) followed Juan to Chicago, IL in 1968, calling the Little Village neighborhood their new Home.  The Family, now with daughter, Maria de Lourdes, moved near Marquette Park in the late 1970's.  While a Homemaker, Gladys offered care to so many of the family and friends' children that she felicitously obtained her license and opened her own in-house Day Care in the 1980's.  Gladys was such a nurturing caregiver that many of the toddlers and grade school kids she cared for lovingly called her "Mom."  For health reasons, Gladys closed her Day Care and soon after Juan's retirement from the Carpenter's Union, they moved to Berwyn, IL in 1995.

As Gladys was a hard working, financially conscious and dedicated wife and mother, she decided to go back into the workforce and worked for the Renaissance Hotel's Laundry Department for 13 years.   In 2004, Gladys finally retired but continued her meticulous Homemaking even after Juan's passing in 2024 and her own illness.

Gladys loved cooking Ecuadorian, Mexican and Cuban dishes, was quick to offer a helping hand, and always made time for Family & Friends.  She and Juan found pleasure in taking drives (often with their grandkids) to Montrose Beach in the Summer and Marquette Park in the Fall.  Gladys was blessed with a strong devotion to the Catholic Faith and participated in many Senior activities at St. Leonard's.  Gladys enjoyed her Telenovelas, especially the Turkish series, Family Feud shows and watching European futbol. 

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband (Juan Basillo), father (Juan Daniel Maldonado Anangono), mother (Antonia Romero Jerez) and brothers (Juan and Eduardo).  Her survivors include her son, Diego (Rocio), Grandsons (Angel & Ricardo), daughter, Maria de Lourdes (Michael White), Granddaughter (Daniella), sister (Mariana) and other family and friends (in the US and Ecuador), including Martha Echeverria (niece) and Gabriela Ochoa (good friend).    Gladys will be missed dearly.

Funeral Mass on Wednsday May 21st at 11:00 AM at St Leonard's Catholic Church at 3318 Clarence Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402 .  Visitation to begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church prior to Mass. Cremation Private. 

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