Maria Ferrer Arellano

Maria F. Arellano, 96, passed away at Sentara Leigh Memorial Hospital in Norfolk, VA on Friday, October 23, 2015. Maria was born in Naguilian, La Union, Philippines on January 24, 1919. She worked as a dressmaker for some of the actresses at Sampaguita Pictures, a Philippine movie studio, and for the wives of some of the justices of the courts in Manila.

In 1978, she moved to the United States to live with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She spent years living with family in Hawaii, California, and New Mexico before taking permanent residence in Virginia. She was a spirited, loving, and devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by six children - Nellie, Lita (Wilfredo), Per (Femie), Eddie (Christy), Rudy (Olive), and Orlie (Tess); thirteen grandchildren - Marissa (Joel), Nelson, James, George, Jay (Rochelle), Allan, Arlynn, Lourdes, April Lou, Fe Marie (Thomas), Ariel (Tiffany), JR, and Regine; and seven great grandchildren - Kylan, Ryder, Aleighn, Francheska, Orlando, Trina, and Leo. She is also survived by dozens of nieces, nephews, and relatives who loved her dearly. In honor of Maria Arellano, a visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 9 at 1:00 pm at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Norfolk, VA with a burial immediately following at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.