Maria Elena Parra's Obituary
A Life well lived!
It is with great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude we announce the passing of an extraordinary, and unimaginably brave woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend Maria Elena Parra. She passed away in San Diego, CA on Monday March 20, 2023 at age 82.
Maria Elena was born on June 14, 1941 to Otilio and Severa Molina, in Mexico city Mexico. She considered herself blessed to have had the opportunity to travel through Mexico with her family, stopping in many beautiful places on their journey north. She often recalled many details of her travels as if they had just happened! They arrived and settled in Tijuana, Baja California Mexico, where she lived for 7 years.
In 1963 Maria Elena married Salvador Parra and moved to National City, CA. She took English classes, and received her GED. She always said she loved learning a new language. Maria and Salvador went on to have 3 children, Arlene , Salvador Jr and Irene. And 4 grandchildren Citlali, Vicente, Xochil and Kira.
Maria was a stay at home mom for many years, and when her youngest turned three, she went to work.
She started working in the old fish canneries of San Diego and later switched to working in hotel hospitality. That is where she thrived! Meeting new people and assisting them at work was her specialty. In 1994 she was even named employee of the year for her incredible dedication and hard work! She was gifted a one week trip to Canada which she enjoyed with her 2 daughters.
Maria was widowed in 2001 after almost 40 years of marriage to Salvador Parra. Maria then retired in 2002. Maria always provided a warm and welcoming environment to anyone who needed one. Her kitchen table was always full of food, laughter and coffee! Everyone and anyone was welcomed! As long as you could handle her raw sense of humor.
After retirement she kept herself active and joined the Eagles club and other social groups . She took many trips to Vegas and loved her casinos! She met Pete Lopez in 2005 and began her whirlwind adventure. Together they drank, danced, traveled and enjoyed life to the fullest! Maria and Pete celebrated for 10 years, until his unfortunate passing. It was a huge loss for her that she never fully recovered from.
It was in her 4 grandchildren she found happiness once more! She was not your typical grandma though, thank God for that! By example she taught them how to be feisty, brave and persistent! And to not listen to their parents!
Maria was preceded in death by her parents Otilio and Severa; Her spouse Salvador Parra; Her siblings Trinidad and Luis; her partner Pedro Lopez; and her nephews Alfredo and Gaby.
Maria Is survived by her 3 children Arlene, Salvador jr, Irene and one adopted adult son Arnaldo Cordero, 4 grandchildren Citlali, Vicente, Xochil, and Kira, 2 son in-laws Jay Oshiro and David Castillanos 3 sisters Ana luisa, Dolores Estella, one brother Martin Molina, many Godchildren, cousins and countless nieces and nephews. And many others who considered her a second mom, and there are quite a few!
This was an extraordinary human being, she loved many people and was loved by many! She lived a long and full life! When the end was near and death was imminent, she confidently said “I am ready; onto the next adventure!” Here is to a life well lived!
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