Evangelina Grajeda De Maldonado

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Evangelina Grajeda De Maldonado. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Evangelina was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Evangelina was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

From the time she was born on September 17, 1940, Evangelina showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Evangelina came into this world at at home in Michoacan, Mexico. Her parents were Jose Grajeda and Maria Sanchez. Evangelina was raised in Michoacan, Mexico.

Because fellowship was so important to her, Evangelina promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with two siblings. She had two sisters, Elodia Grajeda and Maria Grajeda. Evangelina was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

As a young girl, Evangelina interacted well with other children. She was helpful. She was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Evangelina had a number of interests in her youth. She was an active child. In her spare time she liked riding horses and fishing.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Evangelina was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer her group of friends. She was generally friendly to all who knew her, yet to some she seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Evangelina, they recognized that she could be full of surprises. Evangelina enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. She would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of her ability to read people, she had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, her best friend was Abigail Rodriguez.

Evangelina was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it. On May 5, 1962 Evangelina exchanged wedding vows with Samuel Maldonado at Santa Maria del Oro of Jalisco, Mexico.

All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Evangelina was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Evangelina was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Evangelina was blessed with eight children, six sons, Samuel, Jesus, Jose, Antonio, Martin, and Miguel, and two daughters, Maria Rosales and Guadalupe Urbina.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Evangelina was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Evangelina took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were the outdoors and fishing. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Evangelina was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Bernardino, California for 5 years.

Evangelina possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced her travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included traveling throught Southern California.

Evangelina was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Evangelina's favorites was Tuffy, a Mix Dachshund. They were best friends for 15 years.

Evangelina passed away on October 2, 2010 at San Bernardino Community Hospital. Natural causes. She is survived by her husband Samuel Maldonado,her eight children, 20 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Services were held at Green Acres Memorial Chapel. Evangelina was laid to rest in Green Acres Memorial Park.

Though she could be a private person at times, Evangelina was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Evangelina carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Evangelina Grajeda De Maldonado shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Evangelina for the strength of her convictions.