Maria Enriqueta "Queta" Pearson

1919 - 2010

Maria Enriqueta Cardinas Cabanillas Guzman de Pearson was known to everyone as "Queta". She died peacefully in the arms of her two daughters and with her sister in her La Jolla home of 51 years on July 1 at the age of 91.
Queta was born on May 26, 1919, in Mexicali, Mexico, as her family fled from Poncho Villa as he overtook their land. With coins sewn into the hems of their clothing, infant Queta and her extended family found a safe haven in San Diego. She graduated from San Diego High School in 1938 and, like most of her generation, went to work shortly thereafter. During the war years she worked in the Naval Office on North Island, Coronado.
In 1942, she married Billy Pearson, an accomplished jockey, art dealer and winner of the $64,000 Question. Her life with Billy was often one of travel and adventure. They settled in La Jolla in 1953 and had their first child, Maria-Cristina "Mia", in 1957. Two years later they welcomed their second daughter, Enrica, into the world.
Years later, as a single mother, Queta and her daughters shared a lovely home at the top of Pearl St. She enjoyed a successful 40 year career in the luggage business as a retail manager in the Village.
Queta was an incredibly kind and loving mother and friend. Her grace and quiet presence were just a few of the many treasured qualities she possessed. The family of Queta lost the most precious gift they ever had, and she will be deeply missed by her many friends.
Queta is survived by her two daughters, Mia Pearson of La Jolla and Sonoma, CA, and Rikki Pearson of La Jolla; her loving sister, Tina Groman of La Jolla; brothers, Paul Cabanillas of San Diego and Bill Hartley of Logan, Utah; and son-in-law, Cliff Niederer of Sonoma.
All friends of Queta and her daughters are invited to attend a Memorial Tribute on Saturday, July 17, at 3 pm at Pacific Beach Mortuary on Cass St.