Mary Magana

Mary G. Magaña Long time San Joaquin Valley resident, Mary G. Magaña passed away on July 12th. She was 106 years old. Mary was born on January 30, 1910 in Juliete, Chihuahua, Mexico Her parents were Leonardo Galan and Francisca Cordero. She had four older sisters and one older brother. In 1917, Mary moved with her family to the Tagus Ranch area of Tulare where her father was to be employed while working for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Except for a brief time residing in Los Angeles, Mary lived in small towns in Tulare County. She told her children of attending one-room schoolhouses, where older students helped the younger ones. She loved school, though she said she had to work hard. She instilled her value of education in her children. She loved reading and continued to pursue that until her death. Mary graduated from Exeter High School in 1930 during which time she earned lifetime membership in the California Scholastic Federation and a block letter E for speedball and gymnastics. Mary lived with her parents at the Uota Ranch after high school. It was there where she met her husband to be Antonio Magaña. She and Antonio were married in Hanford in 1934 and raised ten children. They too lived in several parts of rural Fresno and Tulare counties. In 1966, the family moved to Visalia. After Antonio’s death, Mary was able to volunteer visiting patients in the hospital and convalescent homes. She was recognized for her volunteerism. In her 70s Mary started attending classes offered though the Visalia Senior Center. She particularly enjoyed fabric and ceramic arts and crafts. She continued attending classes well into her 90s. In 2012 she moved to The Harvest at Fowler Assisted Living Facility. Mary is fondly remembered as a loving and giving mother who was an excellent cook, though very few of her recipes were ever written down. She also enjoyed gardening and sewing. In 2010 Mary was honored on her 100th birthday with a grand party given by family and friends. It was held at the PPAV Hall in Visalia. Mary commented on all the dances she attended at that hall many years prior. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Antonio, her daughters Susan Magaña and Guadalupe Yameogo, and son Joseph Magaña. She is survived by sons: Antonio Magaña Jr. of Clovis, Leonardo Magaña of Duns, Scotland, Jess Magaña of Lockhart, Texas, David Magaña of Visalia, and Ramon Magaña of Sanger, and daughters Esther Gotto of Emmet, Idaho, and Mary Lou Magaña of Burlington, Washington. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 20 Great-grandchildren, six Great-Great grandchildren, in-laws Jess and Lydia Magaña, as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews and friends. Rest in peace Mary, you will be dearly missed. A viewing will be held at Salser- Dillard Funeral Chapel, Visalia on Thursday July 21, 4:00 pm, Rosary at 6:00 pm. Mass will be Friday morning, 10:30 at Holy Family Church with burial in the Visalia Public Cemetery. Condolences can be made to wwwsalseranddillard.com SURVIVED BY: PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: VISITATION: SERVICES: BURIAL: A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Mary Magana

January 30, 1910 - July 12, 2016