Marie will be remembered for her love, exceptional zest for life, her compassionate and positive spirit, her moral strength, and her wisdom. As an avid gardener, Marie loved to be surrounded by nature and enjoyed the hummingbirds that visited her lovely gardens. Marie loved to cook and her vast cookbook collection is a tribute to that passion.
Marie was an inspiration to us all and she significantly touched all who knew her. She is survived by her three daughters, Ophelia Kriel, Pat Chesebro, Isabel Stringfield, and Isabel's husband, Chuck; and grandchildren Chris Stringfield, Kevin Stringfield, Rick Ott, Desi Kriel; and brothers and sisters, Andrew Saldana, Mary Ann Saldana, Margaret Nunez, and Chilo Saldana. A memorial gathering to celebrate her life for friends and family was held on Tuesday, January 3, 2006, at Torrance First Baptist Church in Torrance, CA.
