Maria "Tessie" Theresa Adams

      Maria Theresa Adams 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 December 28, 1948 in Manila, Philippines. Her parents were Antonio Villarama, Jr. and Mae Cristina Johnson. After leaving the Philippines, Maria was raised in Honolulu, Hi. She was brought up to be self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve her well throughout her life.

      Maria was raised by her mother Mae Villarama as her father passed when she was very young, and also her brother Johnny passed away very young. In total, she had 2 brothers (now deceased) Johnny and Tony, and sister Vicki. Maria was the youngest of her siblings.

      She graduated from Maryknoll School in 1966, and is still close to her classmates to this day. She always kept in touch with her long time best friends Pattie Heatherly, Marie "Mur" Wagner and Charlene "Cha" Santee.

       Compassionate and devoted to her doting husband, John, Maria held endearing, traditional values about marriage and family life. She took the responsibility of marriage to heart, giving it her total commitment. She was a source of strength to John and using her gifts at nurturing one-on-one relationships, she worked hard to make her new family happy.

      Maria was blessed with three children, two daughters, Nohealani and Luana, one son, David, four step daughters, Dyan, Donna, Debbie, Melissa, one step son, Johnny. They were also blessed with several step grandchildren and step great grandchild. In addition to seven grandchildren and one great grandchild of her own, Keone, Kaila, Noalani, Keahi, Kai, Kaui, Ayden and Numah.

      Her primary occupation was as a Payroll Administrator. She was employed for Handyman, Price Club, Home Town Buffet and Mossy Automotive. Maria worked hard to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      When Maria’s retirement finally arrived in 2004, she was well prepared. She always trusted and placed value in what was logical and in the things she knew, so she was very confident in planning her retirement. She had begun the process early and had her retirement all laid out well in advance. Her new life involved relocating to Temecula, CA with her husband John Adams. In retirement, she found new pleasure in traveling and discovering all the new restaurants that Temecula had to offer. One of Maria's favorite music artists was Clay Aiken, which she often made time to see him in concert.

      Maria Theresa Adams passed away on September 14, 2019 peacefully with her family at her home in Temecula, CA. Maria fought a brave battle against cancer and was thankful to have the time she did. She was very thankful for her Oncologist, Dr. William Mitchell at UCSD Moore's Cancer Center in La Jolla, CA.

      Commitment is a key word that can be used to describe the life of Maria Theresa Adams. She was committed to living the life of a good woman who was both practical and trustworthy. She was committed to the traditional values that she upheld her entire life. She committed herself to being a hard worker who expected the same effort in return from those around her. Most of all, she was committed to those she knew and loved.