Maria Maline

In Loving Memory of Maria Maline

May 20, 1949 – May 20, 2025

In 1949, during the final year of the Chinese Communist Revolution, Maria was born in Guangzhou, China. Just a few days after her birth, she boarded a ship bound for Taiwan, beginning the first migration of her life. May 20 was her birthday.

Maria was the third of five children, with two older sisters and two younger brothers. As part of a newly settled family in Taiwan, she grew up in a household where resources were limited and each child received only a small share. Although life was financially difficult, the family was warm, loving, and closely bonded.

After graduating from school in the late 1960s, Maria did not pursue a career related to her business studies. Instead, she became the first journalist in her immigrant family in Taiwan. She worked as a reporter for both daily and evening newspapers, an experience that allowed her to meet people from all walks of life and broaden her understanding of society and the world around her.

In the 1970s, Maria began the second major migration of her life when she moved to Los Angeles. She worked continuously in the United States for 45 years without interruption, changing jobs only once before retiring from Los Angeles County. She also remained in the same North Hollywood home from the 1970s until the end of her life. Her loyalty to both her work and community reflected a conservative and nostalgic character, one that valued stability, commitment, and lasting roots.

Maria was the mother of two children, Joe and Keanna, both of whom are now grown and have children of their own. Twenty-eight years ago, she met and married Bob Maline. In retirement, she enjoyed a wonderful chapter of life surrounded by Bob, her children, grandchildren, and the family she cherished, sharing many happy and meaningful years together.

Maria’s wealth was never measured in financial terms. Through her kindness, thoughtfulness, and appreciation for the joys of everyday life, she formed many enduring friendships and created countless treasured memories. Her generosity of spirit enriched the lives of those around her far more than material possessions ever could.

In the final stage of her life, Maria carefully arranged her affairs and made clear her wishes, including expressing gratitude to those who had cared for and supported her over the years. She was a warm-hearted woman whose kindness and humanity left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

On May 20, her 77th birthday, Maria passed away peacefully.