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Light a Candle
Mary Ramirez was born Maria Hernandez Garcia on June 15, 1966, in San Joaquin, California. The third of five daughters. She grew up in Kerman, California, raised in a loving home by her parents, Ramon and Martha Garcia. It was in this home that Mary began her life-long love of cooking. Her creativity in the kitchen blossomed into an imaginative knack for telling stories, writing, and scrapbooking. Being a devout Christian, Mary was passionate about teaching Sunday School, and even wrote, directed, and acted in several church plays. After graduating from Kerman High School, Mary earned a Legal Secretary certificate, going on to San Joaquin College of Law, becoming a Paralegal. Mary worked in several law firms in Fresno, California for 30+ years. In May of 2002, she joined the law firm of McCormick Barstow LLP. Before becoming a Paralegal, Mary married Aurelio Ramirez on June 8, 1991, with whom she had their son, Aurelio “AJ” Ramirez II. Of all her accomplishments, she said the greatest was raising her son to be a Godly man. Among her great joys were caring and cooking for her family, and keeping a clean home. In 2016, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Her active courage through this journey inspired her family, friends, and co-workers. After several complications from Covid, Mary passed away on March 7, 2022. Through it all, Mary never stopped telling her hilarious stories, cooking wonderful meals, and taking pride in her housekeeping. Mary is preceded in death by her father Ramon Garcia. She is survived by her husband Aurelio Ramirez; son Aurelio Ramirez II; mother Martha Garcia; four sisters Esmeralda Garcia, Lucy Garrett, Rebecca Ortiz, and Elisa Gomez.
