A Woman of Valor
A mother of generations
a woman of valor,
she is precious in the gifts that she has given to our family.
Her children have found trust and truth in these gifts.
We follow in patterns that she taught.
She is robed in strength and dignity,
and she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
We benefit and learn from her wisdom.
May she always be credited
for the fruit of her labor and her achievements.
May she live on in glory.

Estel Batiz was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 14, 1929 to Daniel Batiz and Rufina Negron. At the age of 2, her mother passed away on Christmas Day. As a result Estel lived with family members in NY and in Puerto Rico. She cherished her time with her beloved aunt, Titi Lila and her cousins. She was united with her father, beloved step-mother and sister Lydia in her teens.

Estel married Donald R. Miller, and had 4 sons, Clifford, Donald, Walter and Robert.
In 1960, Estel married Casimirio Magdaleno, and had Evelyn, Marlene and Kenny.
After raising 7 children, Estel enrolled at Marymount Manhattan College and earned an Associates degree, with a Major in Urbans Studies and a Minor in Psychology.

It was obvious from the beginning that Estel’s calling in life was to help others. She was selfless and derived the most joy seeing others happy.

She worked for Catholic Guardian Society as a Social Work Assistant, and NYC department of social services until her retirement at the age of 72. She found joy supporting the children and families she worked with, and was a fierce advocate for her clients.

After Estel’s retirement, she continued to advocate and provide support to people for anyone in need. Her network of friends was large and adoring. She was full of life, and owned multiple senior center membership cards, attending many days which hosted trips or sponsored music and dancing. She was an exceptional dancer and an amazing cook of traditional Puerto Rican dishes. She LOVED to play Bingo and card games, and dominated all who challenged her in a game of Dominoes.

Estel was very spiritual and imparted her religious beliefs onto her children. She deeply loved her family with all of her being. Her laugh was big, bold and infectious. Her smile brightened up a room and warmed the hearts of all who met her.

On December 14, 2025, our dear, sweet, Estel celebrated her 96th birthday surrounded by her family and close friends. She passed peacefully in her sleep that evening. She leaves behind a sister, Lydia Humphrey, 5 children, countless nephews, nieces, cousins, grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Her legacy will forever be imprinted in our souls. She was the glue that held our family together and now she is our Angel in Heaven.