Marie Theresa Felix

Marie Theresa Felix was born October 7, 1923, in Jalisco, Mexico, to Anselmo and Prudencia (Cortez) Ramirez. She passed away on Monday, September 23, 2013, in Whittier, California, just two weeks shy of her 90th birthday.



At the age of 3 or 4, Marie moved with her family to Los Angeles, California, where she grew up and went to school. When she was 10, Marie became acquainted with a neighbor boy, Leonard Felix. Their friendship grew and blossomed. Leonard was called to serve his country during World War II, but their love remained strong. They were married in Los Angeles, California, on July 22, 1945. Within a few years, they made their home in Whittier, California. They raised their three children in Whittier and remained there until the time of their deaths.



During the war, Marie worked at Barker Brothers Furniture in Los Angeles. She enjoyed recounting her experiences of having movie stars come in the store while she worked. She and her co-workers were always quick to let each other know of such a presence, and they would quickly make their way to see the star. Marie also took on a couple other small jobs over the years, but she was predominantly a homemaker.



Marie was a devoted Catholic and attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Whittier, California. She enjoyed painting and drawing, and she loved fashion. She was also a great homemaker and an excellent cook. Her family remembers her as a strong-willed woman who was yet loving and generous. She added joy and laughter to the lives of those she touched.



Survivors include her children, Leonard (Lisa) Felix, Theresa 'Terri' (Jerry) LaFleur, and Debbie (Greg) Overbeck; her sister, Angela Gomez; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard G. Felix, in 2012.



Viewing will be held from 6-9pm on Wednesday, October 2, 2013, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, California. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9am the following morning, Thursday, October 3, 2013, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 8545 Norwalk Blvd., Whittier, California. Interment will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Montebello, California.