Marie Therese Simonich

November 16, 1931 – June 30, 2026

Marie Therese (O'Neil, Spriesterbach) Simonich, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully in Van Nuys on June 30, 2026, at age 94. She was born on November 16, 1931, in San Fernando, California, to Francis and Blanche O'Neil.

Marie's strength, resilience, and determination were evident throughout her life. A lifelong Catholic, she lived her faith through her devotion to family. She was a trusted source of wisdom, advice and counsel to everyone who sought her guidance. Her fun-loving spirit brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She graduated from Garces High School and Bakersfield College and worked in social services administration in Contra Costa and Kern Counties.

Marie married Leo N. Spriesterbach on November 12, 1955. Together they raised five children while living in Bakersfield, later moving to the San Francisco Bay Area and Hawaii. Leo passed away in 1986.

On January 30, 1988, Marie married Donald A. Simonich. They shared 27 happy years together, enjoying extensive travel and creating treasured memories with their children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

She was preceded in death by three sons, George and David (2017), and Thomas (2021); her husbands Leo N. Spriesterbach (1986) and Donald A. Simonich (2015); as well as her brothers Michael O'Neil and his wife, Rosemary; and Patrick O'Neil and his wife, Diana.

She is survived by her twin sisters, Clare Callagher of Shingle Springs, California, and Frances Adams of Bakersfield; her children, Ann (Spriesterbach) Taylor and her husband, Steve, of San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico, and Leo Spriesterbach of Bakersfield; and her daughters-in-law, Alice Spriesterbach of Ellicott City, Maryland, and Kanae Spriesterbach of Japan.

She also is survived by her stepchildren: Paul Simonich of Fresno; Tony Simonich of Porterville; Kathleen Aguiar (Danny) of Tulare; Jim Simonich (Ellen) of Tulare; and Tim Simonich (Jeny) of Templeton.

Marie's legacy also includes numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward her memory with love. She is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks are given to her daughter Ann and her husband, Steve; niece Suzanne Adams Smith and her husband Mike of Bakersfield; and granddaughter Lauren Taylor of Burbank, California, whose loving care, support and companionship enriched Marie's later years.

Though she will be deeply missed, Marie's legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched.

Services are planned for Tuesday, August 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12300 Reina Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93312. Burial will follow the Mass at Greenlawn Memorial Park Northeast, 3700 River Blvd., Bakersfield. Flowers may be sent to Doughty Calhoun and O'Meara funeral home who is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Center, P.O. Box 3255, Bakersfield, CA 93385.