Estelle Ferrara

Mrs. Estelle (Tarallo) Ferrara, 91, passed away peacefully in her home in Flower Mound, Texas on October 25th, 2025.

Estelle was born in the Bronx, New York on October 1st, 1934, to John and Vera Tarallo. She worked for Con Edison at their headquarters in Manhattan, NY as a stenographer and secretary. While there, she met and later married Anthony Ferrara on November 10th, 1956, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in the Bronx.
After marrying, Estelle continued working until the birth of her first daughter. She and Anthony raised their four daughters in Westchester County, New York. Once her children were grown, Estelle returned to the workforce and joined Prudential Insurance, where she remained until her retirement.

In retirement, Estelle and Anthony moved to Venice, Florida to enjoy their retirement years in the Sunshine State. After Anthony’s passing, Estelle moved to North Texas to be near two of her daughters while continuing to travel regularly to New Hampshire and Maine to spend cherished time with her other two daughters.

Estelle had a lovely, soft-spoken demeanor, and a loving spirit. She greeted everyone with her beautiful, warm smile. She was a very devout Catholic who loved Jesus and The Blessed Mother. She was a woman of unwavering belief, a faithful servant of the Lord. Her faith can be described as a central part of her life that influenced her actions and relationships. Her spiritual foundation was laid early by her grandmother, who took her to church every day, and taught her how to pray the rosary, and she continued praying the rosary every night throughout her life. She got through everything in life through prayer and her faith in Jesus.

In 2018, she fulfilled her lifelong dream to see Italy, connecting with her heritage and most importantly to see The Vatican and all the history of Rome. This journey was a deeply meaningful milestone in her life.

Estelle had a gentle demeanor and a loving spirit that touched everyone she met. Her warm smile greeted friends and strangers alike, offering comfort and kindness without words. She found joy in simple pleasures: relaxing at the beach—her happy place—cooking beloved family recipes, reading novels by Danielle Steel (often finishing them in a single day), and watching romantic comedies or The Hallmark Channel wrapped in one of her many soft blankets.

She also enjoyed playing Bingo with friends at Pinewood Hills, dancing to music she loved, and cheering on golf tournaments as an avid fan. Her zest for life was quiet yet enduring—a presence that brought peace and joy to those around her.

Estelle was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Anthony Ferrara, and her parents, John & Vera Tarallo. Those left to cherish her memories are her children, Mary Ellen Balthaser (Todd), Doreen Halligan (Michael), Jacqueline Kilty (Jeff), Joan Vallee (Mike), as well as her sister, Katherine Tarallo Lombardi (John). Grandchildren, Alyssa Vanderhoff, Michael John Halligan II, Kayla Kilty, Hayle Vallee, Samuel Kilty, and Hayden Vallee. Great granddaughters, Olyvia Vanderhoff and Freya Vanderhoff.

Funeral services will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at Saint Philip the Apostle Catholic Church on Monday, November 10th, 2025, at 1:30 pm. 5201 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound, TX 75022, followed by a reception in the St. Joseph Hall, adjoined to the church.

Estelle’s final resting place will be at Ferncliff Cemetery, in her family Mausoleum, located in Hartsdale, NY.

May Estelle’s memory be a blessing and bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

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