Maria (Mary) R. Escañuelas

August 10, 1921-February 1, 2024

Maria “Mary” Lorenza Ruiz Escañuelas passed away on February 1, 2024, at the age of 102 following a brief illness. She was born on August 10, 1921, in Chino. She was the fourth of ten children born to Louisa and Joaquin Ruiz. Their children were Joaquin (Jake), Anita, Lucina, Amor, Alphonso, Jesus, Maria Louisa, Dolores, and Jose. Mary always referred to Jose as her “birthday present” as her mother had told her that when she returned, she would have her present. That present was her baby brother, Jose. Only Maria Louisa and Jose are still with us.

Mary learned early on that family formed the heart of life. Her family was in constant contact throughout their lives and Mary could be counted on to provide counsel, love, and support. She cooked constantly; no one left her home hungry. She reached out to those in the family who needed help so that they knew they were loved through whatever hardship they endured. Her expectations for her children were high and her work ethic unwavering; a trait she instilled in her children. Though as time passed, she often critiqued how often they worked, smiling coyly when reminded that it was her that taught them to work so hard!

One night, in Ontario, she danced with Fermin Roman Escañuelas, and continued to dance with him for 55 years. They were wed on February 8, 1948, in Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, in Chino. A church that Fermin helped build, paint, and maintain.

Mary and Fermin complemented each other perfectly; Mary was calm and serious while Fermin was lighthearted and optimistic. Fermin always knew how to coax a smile and a sigh of relief from her. On her last night, she went to sleep with a smile on her face knowing she’d join him again soon.

Together, they toured Italy, where Fermin had served during World War II with the 88th Blue Devils, who were commemorating their 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of Rome that coincided with the 50th Anniversary of D-day. They returned with hearts warmed by the stories of the Italian people who welcomed and thanked them for their service. As part of the ceremony, President Clinton and First Lady Hillary R. Clinton shook hands with all 1,000 veterans and their spouses. The trip was one of the highlights of their lives!

Fermin and Mary designed and built the house they shared for over 50 years. They raised two children, Marta and Mario. Their daughter, Marta (James) has one son, Marc, who lives in Los Angeles. Their son, Mario (Estella) has two children, Eric and Erin. They had one great-grandson, Cruz. Mario and his family live in Portland, OR. They enjoyed an extended family of well over a hundred nieces and nephews along with their respective spouses and their children!

Mary and Fermin worked hard throughout their lives to ensure that their children and grandchildren would have the brightest possible future. They formed several businesses over the years, one of which was to realize Fermin’s dream of having a restaurant that served menudo every Sunday. Every business over the years was a family effort with both of their children enlisted to help. Marta came home weekends from college to wait tables at the restaurant and Mario worked alongside Fermin on their properties.

A Celebration of Life will be held March 16, 2024, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Chino. Rosary will be at 10am followed by her funeral mass at 10:30am. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery at 444 E. Lexington in Pomona immediately after.