Maria Isabel Neri

Maria I. Neri, 96, was born July 8, 1926, in León, Guanajuato (México) to Encarnación Padilla and Gregoria (Hernandez) Padilla. She came to the United States in 1948 and became a U.S. citizen. In 1948, she married Jose P. Neri and they raised 5 children in Bakersfield, CA. Maria went to her eternal home on February 1, 2023. Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Jose Neri; parents, Encarnación and Gregoria Padilla; siblings: Luis Padilla, Jorge Padilla, Chonito Padilla, Hermilio Padilla, Guadalupe Delgado, Rosa Rabago, Belen Padilla, Lucha Padilla, and Margarita Padilla; her son, Pascual P. Neri; Grandson, Antonio M. Castro, Sr., and great grandchildren, Francisco Macias Castro and Gabrielle Castro. She is survived by her daughters: Maria I. Reyes (Steve), Margarita Aparicio (Joe), Fernanda Tarin (Ruben), and Rosa Valles (Raymond); sister: Refugio (Cuca) Padilla; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren. Maria’s work history includes fieldwork, working in the packing shed, and a homemaker. She had a beautiful voice and would always be singing while performing her housework. She loved to crochet and would spend hours crocheting doilies and towels that she would sell so she could send money back home to her parents in Mexico. She enjoyed going to Las Vegas and other casinos. She also loved having her children and grandchildren in her home for Thanksgiving dinner. She was a very strong and resilient woman who rarely ever complained of pain. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.