Estellia Rein Cagnolatti

Estellia was born on August 22, 1953, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to the late Odessa (Jones) Williams and Townsley Williams. She was the 16th child born into this large and loving family.

Estellia lived her life as a shining example of selflessness, humility, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She possessed a servant’s heart – always placing the needs of others before her own – and was a constant source of strength and support to everyone she encountered. Whether as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a caregiver, or working in nutrition services in the school system, Estellia gave her all to serve others with kindness and compassion.

She met the love of her life, Wilber Cagnolatti, in Chicago, Illinois, and they were married on August 11, 1973, marking over 52 years of partnership filled with love, laughter, and resilience. Their journey together took them from Chicago to Louisiana and eventually from Louisiana to Colorado – each move motivated by their desire to be close to and support their family.

Estellia was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and proud grandmother. Her children: Wanda (Evernard) Brown, Marcus Williams, William “Red” (LaQuana) Williams, John Cagnolatti, Andy Cagnolatti, Kierah Cagnolatti, Tafaris Cagnolatti, and Christian Cagnolatti were the center of her world. She poured her heart into raising them with discipline, love, and an unwavering faith. Her legacy continues in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she deeply adored and delighted in spoiling.

She was affectionately known for her delicious cooking, love of gardening, and was an amazing seamstress. She loved walking, watching movies, and her treasured trips to the flea market or the casino. But above all, she cherished spending time with her family, and there was no gathering too big or too small for her to show up with a full heart, open arms, and a home-cooked meal.

Estellia Rein (Williams) Cagnolatti peacefully departed her earthly life on September 8, 2025, in the comfort of her home in Denver, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents and the following beloved siblings: Caroline Williams, Eddie “Rooster” Williams, Elnora “Butte” Williams, Ernestine Dearing, Joe Lewis Williams, Johnny “Pete” Williams, Mattie Jackson, Luttish Donaldson, Nathaniel “Dick” Williams, Townsley “Junior” Williams, and Udella Williams. She now rejoins them in eternal peace.

She is survived by her loving husband, Wilber Cagnolatti; siblings: Annie “Liz” Prince, Atlene Evans, Eugene (Georgia) Whitfield, and Leroy “Maine” Williams; her children; numerous grandchildren including Elijah Brown, Nica Brown, Latanya Brown, Michael Brown, Erica Brown, Wanda Brown Dolby, Edwina Brown, Cedrica Young, Leasha Coleman, Marques Young, Makayla Young, Da’Metrius Williams, De’Tuan Williams, De’Janae’ Guillory-Williams, Sadeeyh Guillory-Williams, and Zurae Guillory-Williams; and is reunited with her beloved grandchildren Tre’Vaughn Guillory-Williams, Preston Guillory, Deante Coleman, and Zachiya Williams, who preceded her in death.

Estellia also leaves behind over 30+ great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and cherished friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Estellia Rein Cagnolatti will be remembered for her giving spirit, her fierce love, and the way she put family above all else. Her life was a testament to grace, hard work, and unconditional love. While our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing she has received her heavenly reward and is resting in the arms of the Lord.