Maria S. Quintanilla

She was born in Agat, Guam on May 2, 1942 to the late Francisco Nededog Charfauros and Consolacion Babauta Salucnamnam in the midst of World War II. After the tragic loss of her father in the war, Maria’s mother was soon blessed with love again. She was adopted and raised by her father, Francisco Reyes Quintanilla.

She met her husband, Tomas Quichocho Fernandez, in Guam while he was serving in the Air Force. They bonded through their experiences of being children of the war, started their family, and shared and celebrated their Chamorro culture as they all traveled the world.

Maria was always deeply faithful, trusted in God, loved the Blessed Mother, volunteered in both the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Women’s Guild and CCD, teaching young children the Catholic faith, and was a Third Order Franciscan. After the Lord, her family remained the most precious focus for Maria, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings together were always the heart of her week.

She was selfless, social, strong and brave. She loved hard and was well-loved in return. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, sewing clothes for her children to keep in fashion, and ceramics. Boy, could she cook! She loved baking and cakes were her specialty. We will all miss her deeply and will always think of her when we see butterflies, among countless other cherished moments.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her brothers Jesus S. Quintanilla and Francisco S. Quintanilla, her sister Barbara Q. Salas (Juan R. Salas), and her son Edward T. Fernandez. Maria is survived by her sisters Myrna S. Quintanilla (Martin Catron) and Carmen Q. Antonio (ⴕEddie Antonio); children Cynthia M. Fernandez-Solomon (Bill Solomon), Janice L. Fernandez (Francisco Saldaña Marte), and Raymond G. Fernandez (Wendy Fernandez); grandchildren William, Marlena, Jasmine, Markthomas, Joel, Mimi, Laura, Samantha, Danielle, Michael, Courtney, and Matthew; great-grandchildren Jasery and Josiah; and cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Maria’s family invites you to make a donation in her name to the Eternal World Television Network, Catholic Charities of Central Florida, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Scroll down for direct links here.

Fond memories & kind condolences may be offered for the Quintanilla family in the online guest book below.