Alicia (Estrada) Kharsa

Alicia (Estrada) Kharsa, 86, fell asleep in death peacefully on April 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 9, 1939, in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, to Jose and Amada Del Rio.

Alicia had a rare gift for connecting with people from all walks of life. On November 22, 1997, she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her deep faith and devotion to Jehovah God guided her life and shaped the way she treated others.

Her zest for life was evident in her many interests, hobbies, and talents. She found joy in gardening, caring for her pets, restoring old furniture, and writing short stories and poems. In her early years, she was actively involved in community programs and found great fulfillment in helping others.

Alicia made many quiet sacrifices throughout her life—too many to name. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family deeply. She had a playful spirit, often making up short stories and sharing silly jokes, even in her final hours.

She attended the University of Toledo and Lourdes College in the Toledo area, and later St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education. Alicia worked at Publix in Hialeah Gardens, Florida, in the floral department, where her love of flowers and plants continued to grow.

Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom. She also taught English overseas, sharing her knowledge and love for learning with others. In addition, she served as a translator for the Lucas County Court system. Her faith and love for mankind motivated her to teach what she learned from God’s Word, the Bible, and to share her hope of a resurrection on a paradise earth. In her own words, she would say, “I lived a good life.”

Alicia’s true legacy, her love and unwavering faith continues to shine through the lives of those she leaves behind. She is survived by her children: Samuel Estrada, Rendi Estrada, Octavio (Virginia) Estrada Jr., Seti (David) Navarro, and Yuri (John) Gonzales; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her siblings, Mary “Cookie” Ortiz, Dina Del Rio (Rios), and Vincent “Joe,” along with many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Amada Del Rio; husband, Ghías Eddin Kharsa; daughter, Merida “Mattie” Estrada; grandson, David Navarro; siblings James “Jimmy” Del Rio, Ramona Trujillo, and Betty Rose Lucio; and the father of her children, Octavio Estrada Sr.

In keeping with Alicia’s wishes to have family gathered together, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Please see back mid-summer for specific details.