Mary Elena Cosio

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Mary "Sesena" Bonilla Cosio born on August 3, 1947 in Tulare, CA. She passed away peacefully, in her sleep on March 11, 2025 at the age of 77. Mary spent most of her life in Tulare, CA, lived in San Jose, and also moved to Arizona in 1999 to help raise her beloved grandchildren. Mary is survived by eight children: Patsy (Dave), Georgina "Gina" (Lino), Eileen (Joe). Mary Ellen (George), Ernest (Sarah), Valentino, Jaimee and Jacquelin "Jackie" (Joel), 34 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. She grew up in a large family. She had 7 brothers and 6 sisters and she was the 7th child of 14. A talented cook, Mary had a gift for turning the simplest ingredients into gourmet meals. She was known for her incredible cooking, especially her homemade tortillas. Her proudest moments were the births of her grandchildren. She loved them all dearly. One of her fondest moments when working, was when a customer marveled at how she transformed gas station food into something extraordinary. She worked in retail for most of her life and earned her GED with ease despite only completing school through the eighth grade. Mary's greatest love was her husband Gregorio. Mary had special admiration for Elvis Presley. One of the highlights of her life was saving enough money to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Graceland, fulfilling her dream of visiting Elvis' home. She often said she wanted her ashes spread there, and her family is determined to honor that wish. She was a woman of love and sacrifice. When her oldest brother, Junior fell ill, she and her sister, Juana, moved to Arizona to care for him until his passing. Their bond was unbreakable, and heartbreakingly, Juana passed away 3 days before Mary. Now, they are together again, just as there were in life. And of course, we can't forget those beautiful, ever-changing green eyes of hers...eyes that shifted with the light, just like she did. She adapted and she endured no matter what life threw her way. Mary will be remembered for her warmth, her strength, her love of dancing and music, her laughter, and the love she poured into every meal she cooked and every life she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of love, family and cherished memories. Mary is now reunited with her beloved husband, Gregorio; her parents; and the brothers and sisters who passed before her. We imagine she is dancing in heaven to her favorite songs and smiling down on us with her beautiful eyes. She will be missed by her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, as well as many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Mary Elena Cosio

August 3, 1947 - March 11, 2025