Maria Elena Kumpel

December 28, 1935 - September 5, 2017

~We were blessed to have a relationship with this beautiful lady~

A native of Guadalajara, Mexico, Maria Elena married her soulmate, Dr. Friedrich Kumpel, and began a new life in America in 1965.

To love and to nurture her family is what Maria Elena held most dear.

Maria Elena and Fred had two children, Eric and Albert, who were enjoined by children from previous marriages; The Appertis: Hector, Jorge, Aldo; and the Kumpels: Fred, Victor, Luisa and Candy. Her love extended to her daughters-in-law: Maria Teresa, Doina, Shelly, Cristina, Stephanie, Tamara and Carrie.

Maria Elena is also survived by her beloved grandchildren; Zach, Hector Jr., Luz Maria, Jane, Alexander (Dieter), Kristina, Angeleigh, Nicoleta, Eliana, Isabella, Sydney, Giovanni, and great-grandchild, Vincent. Maria Elena is loved by her extended family throughout Mexico and Brazil. The love for her parents, Felipe Espinoza Rubio and Virginia Orozco de la Torre, her sister, Luz Maria, and departed close friends, remained in her heart.

"Elena" loved her group of remarkable friends, and the friends of her children. The stories are epic. She shared her love of music, dance, decorating, nature and life. She made us laugh. She gave us advice, excellent, home-cooked meals, and her infectious spirit. She gave us friendship and love.

Maria Elena had style. You had to see it to believe it. She was the life of the party and brightened any room. Her elegance, story-telling, smile, grace and care were captivating. We'll never forget her sense of humor, her accent, and, moreover, the deep-seated feeling of love she gave us.

Maria Elena loved the Lord. She believed church was not necessary to be near God. Nonetheless, she regularly attended her parish in Mexico and remained committed to the Catholic faith throughout her life.

Maria Elena left behind a legacy of compassion, understanding and love.

Maria Elena's embrace was wide and we all felt the purity of her unconditional love.

Celebrate Maria Elena's life at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Monday, September 18, 2017, at 10:00 am

Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bakersfield, CA.