Inge-Maria Cabanilla

Inge Maria Cabanilla (Inge-Mom/Mutti/Omi/Inge-Maus), a native Austrian and longtime resident of Visalia, passed away September 23, 2025 after a life of motherhood, adventure, love, and loss. Her spirit burned brightly. Her courageous, beautiful spirit lives on through all who knew her. Born Ingeborg Maria Leopoldina Steingruber on January 11, 1948 in St Polten, Lower Austria, she spent her early and school years in Austria with family. She was almost born in a sidecar as a neighbor rushed her mother and father to the hospital on a motorbike! Thus, her journey began. She shared many stories about her time with her brother, Hari, her adventures, and her love for Austria. A stunning beauty, daughter of Herta Johanna Stadlbaacher and Werner Georg Alfred Steingruber, young Inge was a lover of fashion and travel and learning. Europe was her playground (as much as her humble family could afford)... until she met a stuntman from Hollywood, CA. At age 19 she was off to America with her new husband, Allen Dodd Pinson. The transition from Austria to Hollywood was a bit of a shock, but in true Inge form, she stepped up to each new experience with strength and grace. In 1973, now with 2 kids, Anthony and Petit, they moved to Three Rivers, CA. This would be the beautiful backdrop for many shared adventures in rivers and mountains. Inge was a strong, brave, thoughtful, kind presence... from PTA meetings at Three Rivers Union School, to sewing creative Halloween costumes, to ski trips, to Mexico vacations, to trips to Australia to visit family "Down Under", to working hard for herself and others, her energy and enthusiasm were contagious. She lit up every room she walked into (often "fashionably" late to the party). She always inspired positivity. She cared for others and animals deeply. You could find her climbing up a pole to save a baby bird, singing to her dog as she prepared him a home cooked meal, or perfectly preserving a butterfly or bee to send to one of her grandchildren. At 5'2", Inge was small but mighty. She was not afraid to speak her mind or get her nails dirty. In fact, she would rather have been digging in the dirt and playing with her plants and dog than most anything else. In that mighty body was a heart of gold. She would show up for her children and any of their friends anytime for any reason. She remembered birthdays and special occasions. In 1978, with her second husband, Arcadio Cabanilla, Jr., Inge gave birth to her third child, Christian Arcadio Cabanilla (and gained a step-daughter, Stephanie). She was a natural mom, loving and kind. Amidst life's challenges, she stayed strong and present for her children. Inge moved to Visalia in the 1980's, as her children went to Redwood High School. She became a well loved and respected realtor in the Central Valley. Many homeowners know the thoughtfulness and diligence of Inge-Maria. It was hard to find her "off" switch! When the clock strikes 11:11... Inge is here. She had a wonder and curiosity around the meaning and magic of numbers. She was interested and interesting. She was never the kind of person who craved applause or recognition; just a beautiful, caring soul. Sweetly wild... a perfect co-mingling of sweetness and wildness. She lives on in our hearts forever. Inge always got the last words, "I love you more!" Inge is survived by her son, Anthony Pinson, and his partner Erin Farnsworth; her daughter, Petit Pinson; her step-daughter, Stephanie and family Christian, Lillyanna, and Lauren Crawford; her brother and sister-in-law Hari and Yoko Steingruber; her nieces,Yasmin and Rosalyn; her grand nieces, Anthea and Sonia; her two grandchildren, Talus and June; as well as her sweet dog Dubbo and cat OB. It was a very deep loss and forever a sadness when her son, our brother, Christian, died, at age 34, in the mountains of Alaska. With a broken heart, Inge went on, loved by her friends and family. Forever in our hearts, her son, Christian Cabanilla- 12/21/1978-3/13/1013. In Inge's honor, please smile at a stranger, plant a tree, help an animal, and pass on some kindness. I love you more! Rest in Peace. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Inge-Maria Cabanilla

January 11, 1948 - September 23, 2025