Cirilda Kathryn Mailo

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This description fairly accurately fits Cirilda Kathryn Mailo who was indeed one of that rare breed, a born leader. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, CC was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her, and let it be known just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with CC knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

CC was born on November 17, 1929. She first greeted the world in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Abram and Kathryn Franks. She grew up in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. Even as a youngster, CC learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life. Her early life was filled with many exciting experiences.

As a young girl, CC was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the "Sergeant" of the family, always making sure that others did what they should do and that they avoided the things that they shouldn't. In other words, she liked to organize and direct; she was good at it. She was raised with six siblings. She had five older sisters, Haddie, Elinor, Elaine, June and Lois and one older brother, Harry. They all had a very loving relationship. They would go swimming in the river and go to dances. CC tried her best to allow for the oldest members of the family to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For her, this was the natural order of life.

CC’s matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, CC enjoyed being part of teams and organizations, as well as groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Some of the sports she enjoyed playing during childhood included swimming.

She had a number of favorite pastimes, which included dancing. Being a natural leader, she enjoyed playing games with her friends, especially Hide and Seek, Jax and Cards.

CC was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. This is how she approached her friendships. Some of those friends included Mary. Mary and Cirilda would go Polka Dancing. CC loved animals, and it all started with her dog named Whiskers.

CC felt comfortable taking charge in just about any situation. Whether it was at home or away, she maintained a take-charge attitude. They lived in a home that was built around an original log cabin where they would find Indian Arrow Heads. When the family would travel or take vacations, she was always organized.

In school, CC was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, CC was always good at following directions and meeting her deadlines, whether they were set by her teachers or self-imposed. CC’s personal motto could have been, “Do it right the first time. She was a Majorette.

While high school was to be taken seriously, CC knew that there was life outside of the classroom. She approached all of his leisure activities with the same straightforward approach that he used in school. Still, she enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. Her interaction with others in her circle of friends seemed to keep everyone around her well-grounded. Those close to her came to expect her high standards. Some of her best friends during this time included Mary. When CC and her friends got together, they would go to dances.

CC seemed to have been born with a sense of responsibility. It seemed that no matter what she undertook, she treated it as though it were of the utmost importance. Her sense of responsibility did not end there but flowed over into any number of other areas. CC was also involved in the community during her high school years.

An objective and conscientious individual, CC reveled in the security of those closest to her. This was especially true with John Raymond Mailo. They met at a dance.

She exchanged vows with Ray on June 6, 1949. They had a large wedding with family and friends.

One of CC’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, as well as her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends. The couple made new friends during their years together.

As was the case with many young couples, CC and Ray lived modestly during the early years of their marriage. They built their first house on top of a hill in Pennsylvania. The couple brightened their household with pets, especially Princess, their cat and their dogs, Duke, Bullet and Stan.

A civic-minded person, CC was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. She was a member of several community groups. Being generous with her time and energy, CC liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset.

CC was ever watchful of her family. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for how each member developed. Some may have believed she was a bit overprotective because she maintained a firm hand in most family matters. But she would give her stamp of approval to any request, as long as she could see how it might be beneficial. She also had the ability to enforce the rules if and when they were needed. CC had one child, Raymond Larry.

CC was a proud parent. She would often be filled with pride because of the accomplishments of her child.

CC liked to believe that she provided a warm, safe and nurturing environment for her children. Their house was in Glendora. CC enjoyed family vacations, and also tried to teach responsibility when the family would travel. They would go to Disneyland and Knott's.

Later, she was also blessed with two grandchildren, Shawn and Katrina.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, CC was always striving to make improvements when they were necessary or productive. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, she was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, CC upheld her high standards. Her primary occupation was working as a homemaker.

CC’s ability to take command of any type of task caused her to be popular around the workplace. CC was most definitely a team player. If you gave her a job, she would, without a doubt, get it done.

CC approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached other aspects of her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly as well as one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies.

For CC, many things brought her a little bit of joy in life. Cirilda loved western dancing, visiting with her son, his wife and grandchildren, going to the beach and sun bathing by the pool. American Idol and Lawrence Welk. Country and Pop.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for CC to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. She also enjoyed watching her favorite teams and events whenever she got the opportunity. She loved to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers.

CC always seemed like the type of person who could look at a situation and determine the best route to take. Her perspective on retirement was no different. She made sure that every detail had been pre-planned and attended to.

Even in retirement she managed to keep in touch with old friends and make plenty of new ones. She still kept pets throughout retirement; they included Rocky, her parrot.

In many ways, CC loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new and interesting activities.

CC Mailo left us on June 27, 2011. She passed away Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California. She was 81 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray. She is survived by her son Ray and her loving family. Services were handled by Custer Christiansen Mortuary. CC was laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

All who knew her would agree that CC was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly planted on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Cirilda Kathryn Mailo did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched were given the chance to become a better person.