MARIA ISABEL PUYANA WHITE

Maria Isabel Puyana White left to be with the Lord on March 4, 2024 in Moreno Valley, California. Maria was born in Virginia to Iola and John Puyana. It was the beginning of the great depression and her father, a native of Columbia, South America, a jeweler, engraver and watchmaker traveled with his family to cities offering positions compatible to his trade. The final destination was Mount Vernon, New York, where Maria attended school, graduating with honors from AB Davis High School.

Maria’s professional life included stenographic and secretarial work at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, New York Telephone Company in NYC, Southern Bell Telephone Company in Shreveport, LA, Moreno Valley and Banning Unified School Districts, and  she retired from the Riverside County Office of Education.

While attending USO dances in New Rochelle NY, Maria met Sgt. Charles R. White, who had just returned from Germany. After a whirlwind romance the couple eloped on New Year’s Eve 1949. In March of the following year the couple remarried in the chapel at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, LA. The elopement remained a secret.

Quilting became a passion after retirement and she created 132 quilts, most of which she gave to family (whether or not they were wanted) and to churches, Boy Scouts, Elk’s Lodge, the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperation Study at UC San Diego, and the City of Moreno Valley. One quilt raised over $300. Maria was a founding member of Christ Community Church and active in Elizabeth Circle activities.

Maria was predeceased by her parents and husband. Together for 67 years, Charles and Maria raised four children: Wayne, Debra Goodus, Thomas, and Virginia Russell; 6 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Christ Community Church at 12 noon.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to Christ Community Church, 13300 Indian Street, Moreno Valley, Ca 92553.

Internment will be at Riverside National Cemetery for family.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

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