At 17, Lupe Estrella walked into La Verne City Hall as an intern and never left. She spent more than four decades as the welcoming face of La Verne and rose to serve as city clerk. She was the first face residents saw, the voice that answered the phone, and, to hear the mayors, council members and colleagues she outlasted, the connective tissue of local government and community life. She died Jan. 18 at 66, prompting an outpouring of remembrance from across the city she loved.

Estrella was born Oct. 18, 1959, in La Verne. She graduated from Bonita High School and worked with four mayors and four city managers in La Verne.

The La Verne City Council honored her memory at its Feb. 2 meeting, with Mayor Tim Hepburn and council members offering personal reflections before a formal statement was read.

"She was amazing. She kept us on path. She knew all the ins and outs," Hepburn said. "Unfortunately, 66 is just too darn young to lose someone who had such life. Keep that spark alive."

Council member Wendy Lau recalled that Estrella was the one who swore her in when she was first appointed to the Planning Commission and later helped her navigate the process of filing paperwork to run for office.

"A lot of times it was just support — you can do this — and that meant a whole lot," Lau said. "She probably helped a lot of people get over that fear of shall I do this or not."

Council member Rick Crosby said Estrella sat him down and walked him through everything when he was first running for council. Council member Steve Johnson noted that his father had served on the council when Estrella was hired. "She's always been a very important person. We'll miss her," Johnson said.

Estrella was born and raised in La Verne and began working for the city as an intern at 17, according to former Mayor Don Kendrick. She never left.

"The term 'Ms. La Verne' identifies one person—Lupe Estrella," Kendrick said. "She may have loved La Verne more than anyone else and wore her love on her sleeve. You had best not say something negative about 'her city' in front of her."

Sonya Whatley, who worked alongside Estrella at the city for nearly 43 years.

"She had the biggest heart," Whatley said. "She was a bright light in the lives of those she knew and will be truly missed."

Robin Carder, who was elected to the City Council in 2009, said Estrella helped her understand her new role and kept her current on meetings and events. Their relationship stretched back decades before that—Estrella attended Carder's surprise 40th birthday party 30 years ago, and the two shared regular lunch dates to talk about family and grandchildren.

"Lupe loved her grandchildren; they brought such joy to her life," Carder said.

Estrella is survived by her husband, Gilbert, son, Gilbert Jr.; son, Sean; daughter-in-law, Marisyl Beltran; daughter, Toni; and five grandchildren.

“Lupe was pretty much the leader in whatever was going on,” Gilbert wrote in an email. “If it was somebody's birthday, she'd be getting the cake and candles and a gift.”

Sherry Best, president of the La Verne Historical Society, said Estrella was the first person she met at City Hall and quickly became indispensable.

"She was never too busy to answer questions, and was so warm-hearted and helpful," Best said. "To me, she was the glue that held together city government."

Former Planning Commissioner and Council member Charlie Rosales recalled meeting Estrella in 2005 when he was appointed to fill an open seat on the planning commission. Getting turned around looking for the restroom, he started heading the wrong direction before Estrella stood up from her desk, called him out—colorfully, in Spanish—and walked him to the hallway herself.

"What I learned from this experience is Lupe had a way about her that endeared her to everyone," Rosales said. "I have told this story time and again, and I get the same comments: that's Lupe."

Bill Aguirre, who spent 37 years at the City and considered Estrella a close friend and "a little sister," remembered her treating every resident who called with respect and compassion, regardless of the nature of the call.

He also remembered the stuffed animals she kept around her desk—and one afternoon, when she left him no choice but to retaliate. After Estrella gave him a hard time before leaving for lunch, Aguirre hung her most prized stuffed animal from the ceiling. She returned, walked to his office, and punched him in the stomach.

"She was the ultimate professional," Aguirre said. "I will miss my dear friend."

If you knew Lupe, we invite you to send letters, cards or reflections to 2105 Foothill Blvd., STE. B180, La Verne, CA 91750. We’ll make sure they reach her family.