Mia Simone Felder

We are fundraising for the family of Mia Simone Felder. She was a very talented artist and a loving daughter.

Mia Simone was born to Horace and Gloria Felder in Fairfield, CA, like her life thereafter she could not wait to get out into the world and explore. She was born earlier than expected; her family likes to think she chose to be an early Easter present. She was raised in Suisun City; educated in the Fairfield-Suisun Unified school system, graduating from Armijo High School, Class of 2011.

After graduating from high school Mia attended the Academy of Art Institute, in San Francisco, to obtain a degree in culinary arts. Quickly recognizing her true passion, she transferred to the University of Art San Francisco to study art and photography. She earned her AA from the University of Art San Francisco, and attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to complete her BA in Multi Media. She was attending Cal Poly Humboldt, studying to earning a degree in Mental Health and Substance and Alcohol Use Disorders. Her goal was to serve her community and help those struggling with these issues, especially children and young adults.

Throughout her life she was fiercely protective of other children who were the focus of bullying. Her brother would tell her to be careful, but she would not have it. She stood up for other people even though it was not always the popular thing to do; as Mia said “It’s not right to do that to anybody.” Her kindness and compassion were a huge part of who she was. She always had a kind, encouraging word for the people in her life, including strangers. For one so young she provided sage advice.

She was a loving, compassionate and fiercely loyal soul who loved creativity in all its forms. As a child her favorite movie was Mulan. With help from her mother, she would create stories about Mulan, her older brother Chris, and herself. She put together skits with her cousins Amanda and Bryanna, performing for family and friends, gather her little friends to draw pictures, cut the neighbors flowers, wrap it all up and go out and sell them back to the neighbors. Needless to say the neighbors got a kick out of it and paid the little entrepreneurs. As she grew older, she began baking and creating gift baskets that she would have her father sell at work. Much to her satisfaction she raked in the dough.

She liked family gatherings, and as the youngest cousin, hanging out with her older brother and cousins; Paul Martinez Jr, Brett and Amanda Eagleston and Bryanna Felder. Each one was special to her, but she and Amanda shared a unique bond. They were the only daughters of sisters, Gloria and Theresa, loved each other dearly and would often be in each other’s company; sharing their secrets, love of art, music, fashion and all the things little girls and women enjoy and experience in life.

Although Mia was only a teenager when she became an aunt to Athena, Gabriel, Noelia and Naomi, she took to it with great enthusiasm. She loved each of them dearly; however, it was the bond shared between Athena and her Auntie Mia that normally took center stage. From the beginning there was a special connection .Athena is thought of as her mini-me in the best sense of the term. Mia shared her love of the arts with each of them; creating arts and crafts, playing music of all genres, baking, cooking, and teaching them fashion sensibility (she had her own unique style). She thought of her nieces and nephews as her own children, always encouraging them to embrace life, love themselves as they are, do their best, and be their best authentic self.

Mia is survived by her parents, Horace and Gloria, brother Chris (Adabel), nephew Gabriel, Nieces, Athena, Naomi, Noelia and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

In her brief time with us, she showed us the power of perseverance. She bravely conquered life’s challenges, never giving up on her greatest challenge, recovery from addiction. Her strength and ability to continue the course despite the obstacles, and her zest for life in spite of the setbacks will forever inspire her family and friends to stay the course.

Mia would always tell people “Who am I to judge?” In her short time with us, she made an immeasurable impact in the life of her friends and family. She showed us the power of kindness, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness, living a life true to herself. Her sage advice will be missed greatly, as will her contagious laughter, sense of humor and her ability to bring out the best in those she cared about. These attributes will never be forgotten and will be carried on and paid forward by those that love her beyond measure, always and forever. Your struggle is now over dearest daughter and you are resting in the arms of the Lord. You will always be missed, but never forgotten.