Maria D. Felipe

On the evening of December 21st, 2025, Maria D. Felipe, 82, left this earth to be reunited with her beloved husband of 54 years, Arturo. She passed away surrounded by her family in her home in San Diego. 

Born on October 28, 1943, to Ruth M. Broderson and Jack A. DuBose of Rockledge, Florida, Maria grew up in a military family and moved frequently. She spent her most formative years in Cocoa Beach, where she called home. She enjoyed her time in Florida in company of her loving grandmother, Myrtle, and in joining Rainbow Girls, an experience she would continue to speak fondly of for the rest of her life. In January of 1965, Maria welcomed her first child, Phyllis. Later she would welcome  her second born, Patricia, in July of 1966 with her first husband before his untimely death later that year. 

In the years that followed, Maria met and fell in love with Arturo “Art” Felipe, a U.S. Navy sailor from Victoria, Tarlac, Philippines, who was stationed at Merritt Island. On September 5, 1970, Maria and Art married, and welcomed their first born, Arturo II, in November. In 1973, while stationed in Okinawa, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Victoria. Maria and Art spent time with their four kids on weekends playing board games, Uno, and taking trips to the roller rink and the bowling alley. 

In 1983, Art received military orders to be stationed in San Diego, California, and brought the family to where they would call home for the next 42 years. After 20 years of service to the U.S. Navy, Art retired and together, Maria and Art went on to create a loving community of family and friends in San Diego. Their house, filled with laughter and life, would go on to host countless parties, celebrations, and get-togethers, becoming a place of hospitality and warmth. Anyone knew that if you were ever in town, you’d always be welcomed at their home. Maria and Art became grandparents in 1996 to their first grandson, Geoffrey, and would later have four more grandchildren, Genbrielle, Angelina, Alexander and Andrew, and one great-grandchild, Remiel. 

On August 22, 2024, Art passed away suddenly from health complications leaving Maria a widow after 54 years of marriage. He was the love of her life and she missed him dearly. 

Maria will be remembered as a kind and gentle woman with the most infectious smile. When her eyes and face lit up with a smile, no one could resist smiling back. She was headstrong and witty, and always tried her best to make the most out of any situation. She enjoyed long conversations and spending quality time with her loved ones. She was resilient, caring and loving, and showed her love in the way she could always remember the smallest details about you. To be loved is to be known, and Maria’s unwavering love for her family and friends was the cornerstone of her life. 

Maria was preceded in death by her late-husband, Arturo G. Felipe, and her beloved daughter, Phyllis Powell, and her son- in- law, Robin Powell. Maria is survived by her children, Patricia, Arturo II, Victoria; her grandchildren, Geoff, Gen, Lina, Alex and Andrew; and her great-grandchild, Remi. 

She leaves behind a legacy of love and will be missed greatly by her friends and family. 

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