Maria Canela Merina

MERINA, MARIA CANELA, of Redondo Beach, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2002 in a Torrance, CA hospital. Maria was born in Batanes, Philippine Islands on December 3, 1919, one of seven children. She grew up on the island of Sabtang, one of the northernmost islands of Batanes. A devoted daughter and sister, Maria was called upon to help raise her brothers and sisters at an early age. Her inner beauty and striking looks later caught the eye of a young man from Basco, Batanes who eventually became her faithful husband and soulmate of over 50 years. Maria dedicated her life to her husband and five children, as well as her extended family that followed. She always thought of others –ensuring a regular delivery of the children’s pictures to her husband stationed overseas during the war, cheering for the kids at an endless array of sporting events, and of course, sending those life-saving care packages sealed with her love to family members, near and far. Maria is at peace, celebrating eternal life with her husband and others that preceded her passing. She was loved by all and will be sorely missed. Maria is survived by daughter, Josie Oakes of Gilbert, AZ; son, Victor Merina of Redondo Beach, CA; daughter, Emely Merina of Anaheim, CA; daughter, Anita Merina of Washington D.C.; daughter, Vicky Jekich of Boise, Idaho; sister, Vicenta Hubalde, of Manila, Philippines; & cousin, Christina Conde, Redondo Beach, CA. Maria was also grandmother to fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, July 26, 2002 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance, CA., 90503. Rosary recitation will be the same evening at 6:30 p.m., also at Rice Mortuary. Celebration of Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. at OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 320 Massey St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Internment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery at 5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City, CA. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.