Shirley A. Maxilom

Today we celebrate the life of a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend, Shirley Abamonga Maxilom. Shirley was a magnificent and loving woman who we had the pleasure and privilege of knowing in the life.

Shirley Winonah Abamonga was bron in Honolulu, Hawaii on April 15th, 1936 to Rose Lokilau Mersberg and Agapito M. Abamonga. Her siblings were Helena Brigoli, Robins Magsayo, Emanuel Magsayo, Mervin Magsayo, Celso Abamonga, and David Abamonga. Shirley grew up in Damien Tract, Hawaii and moved to Kaneohe in her teenage years. She attended James B. Castle High School in Kaneohe, and was a part of the school’s first graduating class of 1954. Shortly thereafter, Shirley was courted by Apolinar Maxilom.

Grandma would tell us the story of how she would watch Grandpa, her neighbor down the hill at the time, working in the garden or how she would listen to him sitting and playing his trumpet. She had told her mother once, “See that man, there? I am going to marry him someday.” And sure enough, she did. Shirley Abamonga and Apolinar Maxilom were married on August 28th, 1954 in Kaneohe, Hawaii.

On May 10, 1955, Shirley and Apolinar had their first born son, Apolinar Maxilom Jr., born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Shortly after the birth of their first son, Shirley and Apolinar received the Lord as their savior at Door Faith Church in Kaneohe, Hawaii. On November 25, 1956 they added to the family, daughter, Bernadette M. Maxilom, born in Honolulu, Hawaii. On September 3, 1958, they added to the family, son, Christopher Maxilom, also born in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1961, Apolinar found work as a Longshoreman, and he and Shirley packed up the family and moved across the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco, California.

In 1965, the Maxilom Ohana moved to Torrance, California, where Apolinar continued his career as a Longshoreman, while Shirley raised the children. On June 19, 1971, Shirley and Apolinar welcomed, daughter, Dolly L. Maxilom into the world, who was then taken too quickly by the Lord after her arrival into the world.

In 1966, Shirley and Apolinar settled into their new home in Carson, California. Shirley began working at Mattel in 1967. Shirley was a respected union representative and she continued her career as the union president. She then made the transition to Hughes Aircraft where she retired in 1989.

Shortly thereafter, the Maxilom Ohana relocated to Palmdale, California. Shirley filled her days of retirement with travelling, working as a crossing guard at the nearby elementary school, volunteering at the local church and taking care of her grandchildren. Shirley has 7 grandchildren, Christopher Ryan Paul Maxilom, Amanda Marie Maxilom, Rebecca Anelakahealani Maxilom, Shauna Nicole Maxilom, Maureen Christine Maxilom, Jeff Kainipuni Maxilom, Corey Kalani Maxilom, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Shirley Winonah Abamonga Maxilom entered into eternal life on January 6, 2012

Arrangements under the direction of Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary, Torrance, CA.