Maria Precilla

Maria Olivia (Olive) Precilla was an exuberant wife, mother, lola, sister, and friend. She left this world to be at peace with God on October 12, 2023 at the age of 76.

She was born to Vicente Trinidad and Dolores Padilla in Bayan ng San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Philippines. She graduated from Centro Escolar University in Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology in 1969. She moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa and graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Medical Technology in Aug 1970 and became a Member of the Registry of Medical Technologist of American Society of Clinical Pathologist in Nov 1970. During a vacation to Los Angeles, she met the love of her life Ben Precilla in 1973. After a 3-month long-distance courtship (and at least a thousand dollars in telephone bills), they got married in Iowa on July 23, 1973 and drove across the country in her brand-new Ford Mustang to settle in West Covina, CA and raise their two beautiful children, Jamie and Marc.

Maria loved spending time with her family and friends and hosted countless gatherings at their home filling it with food, laughter, family, and friends that had become family. She spent her retirement after 37 years at Queen of the Valley Hospital with her mga apo (grandchildren), picking them up after school and having them sleepover at Lola’s house where anything goes! She loved adventure and chose to travel whenever she could, returning to the Philippines often and seeing much of Europe and South America.

Maria is survived by her husband Ben; daughter Jamie; son Marc; son-in-law Paul; daughter-in-law Carrie; grandchildren Noah, Zachary, Sylas, Malia, and Lucas; brothers Lee and Ante; and sisters Divina and Nene.

Funeral service is scheduled for 10 am on November 7, 2023 at St. Martha’s Catholic Church, 444 N Azusa Ave, La Puente. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the college fund of Philippine orphans. Donations will be in the care of Ben Precilla 2019 Thomas Place, West Covina, CA 91792.