Maria Hernandez Navarro Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Maria "Mari" Hernandez Navarro passed away in her home surrounded by her family on May 14th, 2022 in Visalia, California, she was 42. Mari is survived by her parents Maria and Javier Hernandez, her siblings Javier and Melissa, husband Jorge Navarro, children Brianna and Chris, granddaughter Naya, compadre Jose Serrano, and nephews Julian, Isaac, Christian, and Noah. She is also survived by the many family members and friends that had the opportunity to be sincerely loved by her. Mari was born to Maria and Javier Hernandez on July 16, 1979, in Sun Valley, California. She was raised in Farmersville, California after moving from North Hollywood at the age of 2. Mari attended Farmersville Schools, graduated from Exeter Union High School in 1997, attended and graduated from the College of the Sequoias in 2013 with an Associate of Science degree. With her passion of helping others, Mari impacted many lives in Tulare County. Her professional career started as a pre-school teacher in Farmersville, Ivanhoe, Woodlake, and continuing to Ivanhoe. Known as "Teacher Mari", her satisfaction was seeing her students grow up and pursuing their higher education dreams. After accepting a new position with Tulare County Office of Education, she still maintained strong relationships with her parents and students. As an Eligibility Specialist for TCOE, her new focus was helping low-income families find childcare and other resources. In her personal life, Mari was heavily involved in her family's and children's lives. She took much pride watching her family grow and never skipped the opportunity to tell them how proud she was of their accomplishments. She made it a priority to raise respectful and humble children, to attend every sporting event her children were in, no matter the location. She was honored to be a football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track mom! Mari enjoyed organizing family trips, get-togethers, and parties. There was never a moment she was not making delicious meals, her famous strawberry and cream-cheese cakes for birthdays, or a new recipe she had discovered. There was nothing she wouldn't do for family, she always put others before herself. Mari had many interests, beginning with physical fitness, she loved being active in life and was a self-proclaimed "gym rat". There wasn't a fitness challenge Mari did not try to conquer. DIY projects was another interest, she gifted many family members and friends blankets, custom screen-printed clothing, and home sign decor. Mari will forever be remembered for being kind, caring, compassionate, and having an enthusiasm for life. With her loving and welcoming personality, she created many memories in life, and anyone who was blessed to cross paths with her were lucky to have called her family. Viewing will be held 4 PM - 6 PM Thursday, June 2nd, 2022 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Rosary will be held 6 PM - 7 PM Thursday, June 2nd, 2022 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial services will be held 9 AM Friday, June 3rd, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church Street, Visalia. Graveside services will be held 10 AM Friday, June 3rd, 2022 at Exeter District Cemetery, 719 E. Marinette Ave., Exeter. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Maria Hernandez Navarro

July 16, 1979 - May 14, 2022