Maxine Villarino

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maxine Mier Villarino on September 21, 2020. She was 88 years old. Maxine was born in Winslow, Arizona on February 23, 1932 to Salvador and Paula Mier. Maxine graduated from Winslow High School in 1951. After High School, she worked at Babbitt’s Supermarket as head cashier. None of the grocery baggers wanted to bag for her because she was so fast. In those days, there were no bar codes to scan. Each item had a price tag and you had to key the amount in to the cash register. The cash registers did not give you a total for the amount of change a customer was to receive, so you had to figure that out on your own. While working at her Mother’s restaurant (El Sombrero), she met Pepe Villarino. They eloped on September 23, 1955 in Joseph City, Arizona. In 1955, Pepe was accepted in to Arizona State College in Flagstaff, Arizona so they moved to Flagstaff. Pepe attended school while Maxine worked at Babbitt’s Supermarket and had an apartment free of charge on San Francisco Street across from Monte Vista Hotel. The welcomed their first child, Joseph Charles (Deceased) on June 2, 1957 in Flagstaff. A year later, David Anthony arrived on June 14, 1958 and Bobby Lewis (Deceased) arrived on June 7, 1959. During the time she was pregnant, they lived on Campus and Maxine continued to work and support Pepe and his academic endeavors. After Pepe graduated in 1959, they moved to Brawley, Ca where he was hired to teach Spanish at Brawley Union High School. During this time, Maxine lovingly cared for her children and Pepe. On March 3rd, 1962, they welcomed their 4th child. After 3 boys, they got their wish and daughter Valerie Kim born. Maxine had her hands full with 4 children, especially with Bobby who had special needs. In 1969, the family moved to San Diego, California where Pepe accepted a position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Mexican American Studies at San Diego State College. At this time, Maxine was employed at San Diego City Schools where she was an Executive Assistant for 20 years. During this time, they welcomed their 5th child, Paula Maxine, who was born on Maxine’s birthday, February 23rd 1970. Maxine happily retired not long after her 60th birthday. It’s not surprising that Maxine loved music. She had a great voice (coined “Blue Bayou” Maxine) and loved singing with Pepe, Valerie and her friends. She loved playing bingo and cards with all her friends. She was the best cook on the planet. Us kids came home to the smell of fresh tortillas, home made bread, cookies and cakes. Maxine loved to gamble. Whenever her sisters came to visit, they were at the Casino playing the slot machines and playing bingo. She was very lucky, she won more than she lost. More than anything in this world, Maxine loved her family. Maxine taught all her kids to read before they entered Kindergarten. The greatest joy in her life was being a wife, mother and grandmother. Maxine was a devout Catholic and she sang in the choir at St. Francis of Assis @ Mission De Alcala. But most of all, Maxine was a lovely person with a big heart. She was kind, caring, generous, patient and was always willing to help anyone in need. Maxine was also a breast cancer survivor. She is preceded in death by her parents, Salvador and Paula Mier, Sons Joseph and Robert Villarino, her 2 loving sisters, Gloria Belew and Lena Moncayo. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Pepe Villarino, Son, David Villarino, Daughters Valerie Waddell and Paula Hernandez and her 3 grandsons, Carlos Villarino, Enrique and Edward Hernandez. Viewing is Friday, September 25 @ Aztlan Mortuary in La Mesa from 5 – 9. Rosary is at 7. Masks are required. Maxine will be laid to rest at Desert View Cemetery, next to her son, Bobby, in Winslow, Arizona on October 3rd. Viewing is at Greer Mortuary from 10 – 12 followed by a graveside service, celebration of life. Masks are required.

Maxine Villarino

February 23, 1932 - September 21, 2020