Maria C. Balajadia

Maria C. Balajadia was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Maria was born on August 11, 1932 at Fort William McKinley in Rizal, Philippines. She was the daughter of Ananias and Ester Balajadia. Maria grew up in Rizal, Philippines.

Maria was raised with eight siblings. She had Joe, Manuel, Angelito, Edna, Lourdes, Romy, Junior and Pervcival. Maria was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Maria had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Maria was an active child who took part in volleyball during high school. In her spare time she liked reading pocket books. However, to Maria, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Maria had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her beautiful brown eyes helped her capture the love of her life, her husband Ramon.

Maria worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Maria was blessed with seven children; two daughters, Rosie and Winnie and five sons, Boy Sie, Robert, Rudy, Rey and Rolan. Another blessing for Maria was the gift of sixteen grandchildren, Rachel, Raquel, Rick-Rick, Reuben, Ramon IV, Soria, RJ, Krystal, Amanda, Sean, Rubie, Roxanne, Ziggy, Megan, Renee, Ryan and Reese and six great-grandchildren.

Fortunately, Maria enjoyed what she did for a living. Her primary occupation was as a homemaker and mother. Maria always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Maria enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were watching sports, especially Tiger, Kobe and Brady. She also enjoyed playing mahjong. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Maria found pleasure in sports. In high school, Maria played volleyball. Recreational sports included playing mahjong. Maria was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list were basketball, football and golf.

Maria’s faith was important to her. She was a member of the Catholic Church.

Maria was a lover of animals. She loved her children's pets and treated them as her own.

When Maria’s retirement finally arrived in 1998, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to San Francisco and eventually Las Vegas. Even in retirement, Maria continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Maria was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Maria passed away on March 14, 2011 at Valley Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Maria passed away due to a fatal stroke. She is survived by seven children and their spouses, two sisters, four brothers, sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Services were held at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. Maria was laid to rest in Hayward, California at Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park.

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 a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Maria leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Maria C. Balajadia.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm South Jones Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.