Tributes

Our beloved Maria was born on August 3, 1950, in Koror, Palau to Obak James and Singeko Olkeriil James. Maria was raised by her paternal grandmother, Mamang (Edil) Mengloi and grew up alongside her dear sister Yosko (Isikl) Higa, Mamang’s daughter. Maria is survived by her husband of 47 years, Randy Lee, and four children, grandchildren, great grandchild, siblings, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends. Children: Son, Geno James, wife Nicole Silas, and their children, Kaia, Kayoko, Maiha, and Kukane (Ob). Daughter, Darlene James-McClendon, husband Arturo McClendon, and their children, Monte Jr., Arturo Jr., Paige, and Baham (Bam). Son, Eric Lee, wife Charmaine Hart Lee, and their children, Leilani, Maya, and Eric Jr. (EJ). Daughter, Ebony Lee, and child Leimani, and granddaughter Ja’leiah. Siblings: Mother’s side - Barbra, Hainy, Tommy, Hasinto, and Hasinta. Father’s side - Cynthia, Jack, Machelines, Francisco, Melva, Alfred, Hulda, and Emerson. Tribute: Today is a Celebration Of Life for our beloved Maria. Maria was headstrong, independent, thoughtful, caring, and a blessing to everyone she encountered. She was the type of woman who never complained about what she had or did not have. She often said, “don’t complain if you’re not going to do anything about it because no one cares.” She put her head down and worked hard to provide for her family regardless of how difficult it was. Good or bad she pressed on and pushed for the family. She LOVED food, buuch (chewing), gossip, Korean drama shows, softball, and the meetings with the Bay Area Club. The club meetings were her escape from the daily grind and struggles. She talked about the 30- minute club meetings that turned into endless nights of buuch, eating, and going home in the wee hours of the morning. She was out in the clubs as the saying goes LOL… Life was not kind to Maria in her last days on earth, but we are so grateful and blessed that we were able to be with her and surround her with love and laughter. “THERE ARE NO GOODBYES FOR US” …… instead it’s, MATAOTODE…. WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU IMMENSELY! Acknowledgments: Our family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the many friends and family who have shared words of comfort and to those who have taken the time out of their busy schedules to be here today to celebrate the life of our beloved Maria. A sincere thanks to Nicole, Kaia, Eles, Melinda, Sheila, Auntie Laurinda, and Auntie Loretta, for providing a much needed helping hand while our beloved Maria was in the hospital and in hospice care. Also, thanks to the numerous friends and family who visited. Your loving care means the world to us and words cannot express how thankful we are. A special thanks to our extended sisters and cousins, Sheila, Hefroni, Eles, Melinda, Nika, Jake, and Joy for helping with the repass. And to Uncle Bob and Auntie Julie for your help in notifying the Palauan community. Also, thank you to the numerous friends and family who brought in a dish to share. We could not have done any of this without you, so we are eternally grateful for your help! Lastly, thank you to Hinds Hospice Home and Chapel of The Light for taking great care of our beloved Maria and our family needs. Closing: Thank you all for joining us today in celebration of our beloved Maria. Please hug your loved ones a little tighter today and always. Enjoy life with them every chance you get so you will have those beautiful memories when their time comes. We Love You All!

Tributes

Maria Titui Lee

August 3, 1950 - June 15, 2024