The final "goodbye": Estrella Quiroz on losing her father & co-founding Last Farewells
- Nina Rodriguez
- Mar 31
- 6 min read
Before he passed, Estrella's father left her a message worth more than billions:
✨ "I hope a million angels look after you." ✨
Those seven words changed everything.
For Estrella Quiroz, her father's last voice message became the catalyst for her life's most inspiring mission — becoming a "life enthusiast" and helping others find closure and meaning through her platform, Last Farewells.
In this post, learn how her journey through unimaginable loss sparked a movement of hope, faith, and human connection.
Whether you're navigating grief yourself or seeking ways to support others, this story offers heartfelt insights and actionable steps for turning pain into purpose. From her personal story of loss to the innovative work in death tech, Estrella's journey is a beacon of light in dark times.
The Power of a Last Message
Imagine losing your father unexpectedly just days after your 18th birthday, and you didn't get to say "goodbye".
This was Estrella Quiroz's reality when her dad was deported. The deepest pain came from not just losing her father but almost not having a chance to say farewell.
Her father's final words, a voicemail saying, "I hope a million angels look after you," became the turning point in her life. These words inspired her to create Last Farewells, a platform that allows people to leave digital messages, letters, videos, and memorial pages. These messages can be delivered long after they're gone.
Her story resonates with anyone who has experienced sudden or unresolved loss.
It highlights the importance of agency in grief, giving loved ones a way to say what they couldn't in person. For Estrella, it was also a profound reminder that even in moments of despair, there is potential for new beginnings.
A Life Transformed by Tragedy
Growing up as a daughter of immigrants, Estrella was trained to focus on education and stability. But her life changed dramatically the day her father was deported, and she visited him in a federal facility; a moment etched in her memory.
That last hug, that farewell, became a symbol of what was lost and what could be preserved.
When she received the news of his passing at just 18, she was fresh from celebrating her own milestones: winning homecoming queen, skydiving, and attending a music festival.
The shock of grief struck her amidst these joyous moments, a reminder of life's unpredictability.
Yet, that grief ignited a fire within her to travel the world solo, to live fully, and to honor her father's dream of flying. A dream she fulfilled through her travels and her work.
Her journey exemplifies how life’s greatest pain can propel us to live more intentionally.
Turning Grief Into Purpose: The Beginning of Last Farewells
As Estrella traveled across over 50 countries, 40 of them solo, her perspective shifted from academic success to living authentically. Her travels and personal growth led her to co-found Last Farewells, inspired by her own experience of loss and the desire to help others gain a sense of control and peace at life's end.
Her platform offers a space for people to record last messages including letters, videos, and audio messages, that are scheduled to be delivered after their deaths. This innovation fills a critical emotional gap missing from traditional end-of-life planning tools like wills and legal documents.
The emotional gift of a last message can be transformative.
Imagine leaving a voice or letter saying exactly what you want your loved ones to hear, be it words of love, forgiveness, or memories.
For many, this provides a sense of agency and peace not otherwise available.
"The most painful goodbye is the one you never got to say," Nina emphasizes.
Estrella's platform empowers individuals to reconnect with loved ones in a deeply personal way, offering comfort and closure long after they are gone.
Remembering Nick: A Legacy of Love and Connection
Nick's passing was a heart-wrenching moment that deeply touched everyone who knew him.
As a cherished husband and father, Nick's unexpected departure left a profound void, yet his story beautifully illustrates the enduring power of love and connection through Last Farewells.
Knowing that he would pass after receiving a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, Nick took the time to craft messages filled with love, wisdom, and encouragement for his loved ones. Estrella knew this wouldn't be an easy task, so she took it upon herself to fly from Florida to Nick's home in Texas to help him craft his last farewells for his family and friends.
These heartfelt words became a source of comfort and strength, wrapping his family and friends in a warm embrace even in his absence.
Estrella fondly recalls Nick's legacy, highlighting how his foresight and compassion have inspired countless others to reflect on their own lives and the messages they wish to leave behind.
His story is a gentle reminder that while we may not control the timing of our departure, we can choose to leave a legacy of love and kindness that continues to touch hearts.
Acts of Kindness: Making a Difference in Unexpected Places
Beyond her platform, Estrella is a natural acts-of-kindness advocate.
From helping a 97-year-old grandmother to sharing her story in viral videos, her authenticity and compassion shine through. One memorable act involved offering a ride and a meal to an elderly woman at a bus stop, which led to widespread support and awareness.
These seemingly small acts ripple outward, inspiring others to see that kindness can be a daily practice. Her content demonstrates that compassion and purpose are intertwined, showing how a simple act contributes to a broader message of hope and human connection.
Her story also underlines the importance of living authentically and sharing your journey. A lesson that in giving, we often receive more than we could imagine.
Faith and Resilience: Finding Peace Amidst Pain
Throughout her journey, Estrella's faith has played a vital role.
Years after experiencing significant loss, she discovered a spiritual foundation that offers strength, purpose, and perspective. Her transformation from skepticism to surrender exemplifies how faith can be a guiding light.
She shares her experience of connecting with God and embracing grace, which has reinforced her mission to serve and illuminate dark places. Her openness about vulnerability and spiritual growth encourages others to explore their own paths to healing.
Her story demonstrates that grief can deepen one's faith, providing comfort and hope in the midst of adversity.
Faith can offer a sense of connection, purpose, and reassurance that we are not alone. It can provide comfort, hope, and a framework for understanding loss.
Can creating last messages bring peace to the grieving?
Yes, it allows loved ones to hear from the departed on their own terms, reducing feelings of unresolved grief and fostering closure.
Supporting the Mission: How You Can Get Involved
Interested in supporting Estrella's work? You can explore Last Farewells at lastfarewells.com and create a free account to start leaving your own messages or planning your legacy.
The platform is accessible and evolving, aiming to provide meaningful tools for end-of-life planning that bridge emotional connection and practicality.
Living Fully, Leaving a Legacy
Estrella's story illuminates a profound truth that life's greatest pain can spark your greatest purpose.
Her vulnerability, faith, and unwavering commitment inspire us to live authentically, love deeply, and leave behind words and actions of significance.
When you reflect on her journey, remember: the unknowns and the pain are part of the human experience, but so are the moments of connection, hope, and light.
Whether through a last message or a simple act of kindness, your life has the power to inspire and heal, long after you're gone.
Want to create your legacy today? Visit lastfarewells.com and start the conversation
Turning grief into purpose through storytelling, faith, and acts of kindness can help heal hearts and inspire hope, both for yourself and others.
Connect with Estrella Quiroz & Last Farewells:
Instagram: @lastfarewellsapp x @estrellaq95
Connect with Nina Rodriguez:
Grief and Light is an award-winning, independent podcast exploring the honest, messy, and deeply human experience of loss. New episodes wherever you watch or listen.
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