Maria Teresa Quimby, age 83 of Crookston, MN, died on Saturday, February 22, 2025 in her home.

In Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, Philippines, on August 11, 1943, Maria Teresa was born to her parents Apolonio and Jesusa. She grew up with her sibling's climbing trees, fishing, and swimming. In her early years, she worked as a housemaid. Eventually, while working on the military base, she met Johnny Quimby. He enjoyed spending time with Maria so much that he requested permission to marry her. Maria and Johnny were married on March 18, 1965 and moved to the United States that same year. There, she gave birth to their daughter Mela.

In Grand Forks, ND in 1966, a knock on the door began Maria's adventure of serving Jehovah. Johnny and Maria fell in love with the truth from the Bible and with the congregation. They were baptized together on December 20, 1969. In addition to Mela, they raised their children: Marian, Jerome, Jared, and Jonathan. They faithfully served Jehovah in the Grand Forks congregation until they were asked in 1997 to assist the Crookston, MN congregation where they have been serving until now.

Maria's most inspiring qualities include her faith, and her love for Jehovah and people. This moved her to be a regular pioneer from 1988-2018, some of this time being the only pioneer in her hall. She was a very zealous and bold preacher of the Bible; always talking about Jehovah's goodness and encouraging all to continue serving him with humility and joy. She remained active in her ministry by continuing to participate in bible studies until January 2025. Even on her last days, she continued to remind her family and friends to keep drawing close to Jehovah and to make sure they would be with her in Paradise. "How beautiful are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!" (Romans 10:15)

Maria loved music and singing. You often would hear her whistling beautiful songs she made up as she worked in her garden. She loved animals, especially the birds she had as pets. She enjoyed sewing, a skill her father taught her at a young age. One pastime her kids and grandkids enjoyed was her love for video games. At night, you might find her up playing Super Mario Bro's or Lode Runner on the N64. She might even beat you in a round of Just Dance! on the Wii. But Maria's greatest loves are Jehovah, her family, and her friends. There are no words to express how much she was loved or how much she will be missed.

"The righteous will be remembered forever." - Psalms 112:6

Preceded in death by her Father: Apolonio Emaas, Mother: Jesusa Enage Emaas, Brothers: Antonio, Jaime, Daughter: Annabelle Emaas

Survived by her Siblings: Benito, Roberto, Elena Emaas Arcangel, and Maria Editha Emaas Treat (Jim). Children: Mela, Marian (Josh), Jerome (Tessa), Jared, Jonathan (Chelsie), Grandchildren: Amber, John-Allen, Sophia, Riley, Hunter, Mason, Samantha, Robyn, Malachi, Xander, Jenessa, Sawyer, Caleb, and great-granddaughter June.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 4:00 pm in The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in East Grand Forks, MN.