Maria Chidester Sio

Maria Chidester Sio, age 48, passed away on April 6, 2025, at 8:00 AM peacefully with her husband Tile Sio, and Sister Jill Chidester by her side after a valiant battle with calciphylaxis.

She was born May 25, 1976, in Bloomington Indiana, to Ted H. and Shirley Ann Miller Chidester, the last of six children.

Maria was the most famous among the Chidester children. Her photo was frequently seen as an infant in 1976. She was recognized for her diaper cover that stated “I’m behind the Hoosiers” during basketball games, supporting her father who was part of the coaching staff of the 1976 Hoosiers NCAA championship team.

Although Maria was born in Indiana, she spent most of her adolescent life on the North shore of Oahu, Hawaii in the small community of Laie where her father was the Head Basketball Coach at BYU Hawaii. Her mother also worked at BYU Hawaii supporting the student teachers. Maria's early years in Hawaii fostered her love for Polynesian culture and the Aloha spirit, making ohana (family) central to her identity.

Maria moved back to Panguitch, Utah with her family where she attended Middle school and graduated from Panguitch High School. Maria played volleyball and basketball and was active in many school activities. She often joked about going to the principal’s office in high school as Maria’s dad was the principal during her high school years. She said it never really felt like a threat, more like an invitation to go see her dad.

Maria graduated and attended Utah State University, but after one year, she decided college wasn't her path. She moved to Salt Lake and worked for USWEST before starting her career at UPS. Over the years, Maria's Ohana included coworkers, neighbors, and many friends.

It was during these years she met her love, Tile Sio. His pride for his Samoan culture aligned with her love of the Polynesian culture she had grown up with in those early years in Laie. Maria continued her love of Hula with a local Halau in Utah.

Maria was so happy and excited to be a mom. It was a joy to watch her bring her two loving children into this world and see her grow and become a loving mother. She was so proud of Miller, Billie, and her three bonus children Jacqueline, Blake, and Lauren. She spoke often of her children and how amazing they all were. You could hear the pride in her voice as she would give us updates on them and how excited she was to be a five-time Grandma. She was a great supporter of her children’s PTA and held many positions within the local PTA. You would often find her making costumes for the yearly pop dance competition for her son Miller.

As a child, Maria made Flat Face, a ceramic figure who was a victim of Ceramicide (her words). Maria was a good sport about the figure that she lovingly made for Mom. He resurfaced a few years back and has become famous in our family. He starred in a movie or two and has even traveled to Australia, New Zealand, and Alaska. Maria was always there to make you laugh, be the life of the party, and the only person who could out-talk her brother James.

In the last few months, Maria has been seen by many doctors from almost every hospital in Utah. They ran so many tests, and studies and truly often were just baffled to find answers to help heal Maria. They called her The Unicorn. Well, that’s a fitting title for Maria. She was our Unicorn. She was always genuinely herself. A rarity in humanity where conformity was more popular.

Maria was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although Maria didn’t speak often of her faith, she held a strong connection with her faith and God.

She is survived by her husband, Tile; Children: Miller Kaoipu, Billie Malia, Jacqueline, Blake L, and Lauren. Grandchildren: Marley, Remi, Atlas, Siianalia, Alexus J. Mother: Shirley Ann Chidester. Siblings: Bret (Elizabeth), Julie, Jill, Bart (Julie), James (Geremy).

She was preceded in death by her father Ted, grandparents Loris and Hilda Chidester, Wallace and Willmetta Miller, Parent In-Law: Tifi and PouliSio.

Services will be held on April 11, 2025

Viewing - 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

Funeral - 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Interment - 3:00 P.M.

Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123