Maria Felicitas Ysasi

Maria Felicitas Ysasi (nee Aguilar) aged 89 passed away peacefully on October 28, 2024. Maria was born March 6, 1935 in Laredo, Texas to Simon Aguilar Sr. and Juana Aguilar (nee Medina).  Maria was the fifth oldest of seven siblings and was a dedicated daughter and caregiver to her parents. Her family and friends gathered to say their final goodbyes and wish her well on her journey to eternal life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Guillermo Hughes Ysasi; daughter, Rebecca Manning; brother, Santiago Aguilar; sisters, Guadalupe Guevara, Rebecca Espinoza,  Julia Gonzalez; and grandson, Santino Ysasi. Maria is survived by her children, Ruben (Suzanne) Ysasi, Raul (Kathy) Ysasi, Ricardo (Cyndi) Ysasi, Raquel (Raul Jr.) Huerta, Rosenda (Bernard Frazier) Montalvo; her 20 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren; in addition to her Tia, Luz Palacios; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, and special friends. Maria was a life-long resident of Grand Rapids; she attended Saint Andrew’s School and earned her GED. She also attended Grand Valley State University. Maria met her husband on a blind date at a New Year’s Eve Dance, and they married a year later. Maria was a homemaker and raised six children before entering the workforce full time. Maria worked as a paraprofessional in Grand Rapids Public Schools for over thirty years, at Hall Elementary School, Alger Elementary School and with the Spanish Immersion Program. Her ability to keep children focused on their learning led to her being selected to work with kindergarteners and first graders learning to read. She was recognized for her dedication to education and the numerous students she taught by the Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez Golden Citizen Award. Maria enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, going out to eat, watching movies, and going to the casino. She enjoyed taking care of her family. She hosted her children every Saturday morning for breakfast with homemade tortillas, and on Sunday she would prepare her children and grandchildren's favorite foods when they joined her for lunch after church.  Maria was an active member of Our Lady of Sorrows parish, including serving as a lector and member of the altar society. Maria was a kind and loving person who always went out of her way to help friends and family in need. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew where she will repose one hour before the Mass, with Father Steven Cron and Father Dat Tran as celebrants.  Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 3, from 2-4 PM and from 6-8 PM with a rosary at 7:30 PM at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 S. Division Ave. Wyoming, MI.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to thank friends, family, and Faith Hospice for their care and support during this difficult time. We will be forever grateful. Please submit a favorite memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.