Obituary of Emeline Laiwa

Riverside, California-August 26, 1948 an angel was sent to us to fill and bless our lives. The daughter Marie Miguel, Emeline Maria Trujillo, was filled with so much love. Her kindness touched any and everyone that had the pleasure of her company. Her elegance and beauty was so intense that she could fill any room with her happiness. Emeline grew up in the Pass area on the Morongo Indian Reservation. She graduated from Banning High School where she stood out in academics and athletics and was awarded a college Athletic scholarship. Emeline truly enjoyed playing softball and was a great player who played in many tournaments and won many Most Valuable Player awards. She attended San Francisco City College where she met her soul mate and the love of her life, for 41 years Angelo Laiwa. They were soon married in Santa Rosa, California and began the greatest journey of their lives. Throughout the years she worked as an executive secretary within the Native American community. She then began to work at Casino Morongo and worked her way to top management where she retired as the Cash Operations Manager. Emeline was also a member of what we affectionately called the twisted sister club. Her greatest love was the love she had for her family. She was an inspiration and a role model. She was the greatest teacher of all. She was the most generous person you could ever meet and was always there for her children and all of her family whom she loved unconditionally. Emeline left behind a great legacy which began with the birth of her children: Angela Norte, Sheila Esparza, Darren Laiwa, Gregory Laiwa and stepson Robert Laiwa. They in turn gifted her 19 grandchildren Dominique Vasquez, Luis Vasquez, Alex Souza, Andrew Vasquez, Angelo Laiwa, Mico Jimenez, Gabriella Laiwa, Gregory Laiwa Jr., Emillio Laiwa, Gianna Laiwa, Lileah Laiwa, Joaquin Laiwa, Gabriel Esparza, Chylea Norte, Daniel Norte, Chelby Norte, Carmena Laiwa, Mike Quina and Robert Laiwa Jr. Her Legacy continues with three great grandchildren Monique Arres, Leila Arres, and Na'Milya Morreo. Emeline is also survived by her siblings Elenita Martinez, Leatice Briones, Jeffery Martin Wilson, Wendy Martin, Charles Martin, Michelle Garcia, Gina Garcia, Steve Quinonez, Veronica Smith, Lupita Quinonez, and numerous other family members. A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 from 6-10 pm at the Morongo Faith Chapel 11190 Hathaway Canyon Rd., in Banning California. Church services will be held on June 5, 2008 at Morongo Faith Chapel at 10 am with graveside service to follow.