Maria Reyes Simon

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Maria Reyes Simon was no exception. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Maria will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Maria’s life journey began on March 19, 1923. She first greeted the world in Lumbac, Pulilan, Bulacan, Philippines. Her parents' names were Bernabe Reyes and Magdalena Calderon. Growing up for Maria was an involving experience. It allowed her to learn and grow and create all kinds of memories.

A lot of what shaped Maria’s life was how she was raised. She was raised with four siblings. She had four brothers Patricio, Filomeno, Francisco and Felixberto. Maria was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced the typical rivalries of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

Many things change when a person becomes old enough to go to high school; Maria was no different. She was a typical teenager who had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Malolos High School. Maria enjoyed Math and English. Maria tried to be involved in a number of different activities, both in and out of school, during these years.

After high school, the next big step in a person’s life is heading off to college. How someone reacts to the freedom and responsibility shows a great deal about their character and the person they will become. Maria enjoyed her college years. Though it was a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied it, she was able to manage the balancing act. College allows a person to become more focused in their studies but also opens up whole new horizons for one to explore. Though awards weren’t the reason she worked hard in college, Maria was recognized for her efforts. Like in high school, college was more than just going to classes and learning. Education went beyond the classroom. She shared this time of her life with a number of people, some of whom would eventually become very close friends. Maria tried to be active in many areas during this time. Maria got her teaching credentials in 3 years.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Maria experienced that with Brigido Simon, Sr.

After the wedding, the couple enjoyed their first few days together as husband and wife during their honeymoon.

Empathic and loyal, Maria was committed to making her new family happy. It is true that during those early years the couple lived modestly, but they were happy nonetheless.

It can be said that you can tell a lot about a person by their friends. So it's little wonder that she took an active role in her neighborhood and community.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Maria worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Maria was blessed with twelve children, Maria Fe, Lorenzo, Martha, Rosario, Corazon, Brigido Jr., Mary Ann, Rene, Elizabeth, Peter, Ditas and Wil. She worked hard toward raising her children in a positive and nurturing environment.

Maria enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things.

Later on, Maria was blessed with the gift of sixteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, Kevin, Jason, Eric, Louise, Chad, Marni, Leroy, Carlo, Rosario, Erin, Eric, Andrew, Pamela, Marissa, Joshua, Alexis, Jamison, Jiada, Anderson, Ralph Jorel, Erica, Nicholas, Justin, Bianca, Yorel, Rosario Pamela, Angeli Dominique and Andreana.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. She was usually willing to share her interests with others. Maria enjoyed sports and athletics. Watching the Lakers was tops on her list.

A person’s faith says a great deal about them. Some people are raised with strong beliefs while others garner them throughout their life. Maria’s faith was important to her. She was a devout Catholic. She was a member of the Third order of the Carmelites, Legion of Mary.

Maria Simon left us on March 28, 2011. She passed away at Inter Community Hospital in Covina, California. She was 88 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bindong and daughter Betbet. She is survived by her eleven children, sixteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one brother. Services were handled by Custer Christiansen Mortuary. Maria was laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, California.

So this is Maria’s life, the sum of the woman that she became. Simply stated, Maria was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Maria leaves behind her a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Maria Reyes Simon touched will always remember her with a smile.