Christine Marquez

She was born to David and Carmen Mena on December 26, 1939, in Ventura County, CA. Chris, Mom, Cristina, Mama, Nana, Chrissy, Nina, Aunt Chris (depending on who was talking), was a beautiful soul—kind, loving, warm, nurturing, and delightfully silly. Family was her greatest joy; she treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and friends… and she made friends everywhere she went. Her sense of humor, comedic timing, and zany antics (especially with her sister Terry) made family gatherings fun. She had a special gift for making everyone feel loved, welcomed, and valued. Anyone who walked in the door was offered “a little something to eat.” It was always more than a “little,” and it was always delicious. Her beans, sopa de fideo, and pozole were some favorites of friends and family.

She attended Corcoran High School in Corcoran, CA, where she was a homecoming queen and a pom pom girl. Her drawing of the school mascot won a contest and was displayed on the school building, where it stayed for many years. Chris shared stories of the fun she, her sister Josie, and their many friends had dancing to Chubby Checker and Elvis records at sock hops and parties. She also talked about how much she loved taking care of her adorable youngest siblings, Sal and Susan, after they were born. Chris, her brother David, and her sister Josie worked in the summer picking cotton to help with family expenses and school clothes. She was especially proud that money she earned from jobs after graduating helped make it possible for her beloved father to buy a 1959 Chevy Nomad Station Wagon, which stayed in the family for decades and is now part of a classic car collection in Norway.

While working at Hammond's Bakery in Corcoran, she met her future husband, Frank Marquez. With her encouragement, he returned to school and completed his degree at what was then Fresno State College. She often spoke about them working together as a team to give their four children more opportunities than they had. Chris and Frank knew poverty firsthand and were determined that their children would obtain an education and a better life. This was one of their many achievements that their children deeply appreciated. They lived with faith, integrity, a strong work ethic, generosity, steadfastness, love for family, storytelling, and a great sense of humor. The annual week-long trip to the central coast was always a highlight, filled with banter, seashell hunting, and thrift shopping. Chris once joked that when she died, she wanted her ashes spread over ALL the thrift shops on the Central Coast.

Chris’s faith as a dedicated Catholic guided her life and actions, which was reflected in her unwavering care for others. She held a special place in her heart and prayed for those who suffer—whatever the reason. Her compassion extended to everyone, especially children. Chris worked many jobs over the years, but she especially loved working with kids. Even in her last days, she wondered aloud what had become of little Robertito and all the other children she had worked with decades earlier. It was no surprise that her favorite job of all was being a Nana. Victoria, Valentina, and Vicente brought her and Frank so much joy, and they treasured every giggle, snuggle, and milestone. They were so proud of Emerson, Marcel, and Dae. Being Nana and Buelo brought them the biggest joy in their lives.

Chris was a bright light. Her quick one-liners, fun laugh, and loving nature will be missed by her family and the many she welcomed into her home and heart as family. Her children survive her: Sandra Marquez of Chicago, Dr. Ron Marquez of Fresno, Tasha Marquez (Darren Borg) of Santa Clarita, and Lorenz Marquez (Cynthia) of Costa Mesa. Grandchildren: Valentina, Vicente, Victoria Marquez De Anda (Jimmy), and great-grandson Enzo; Marcel Borg of Santa Clarita; Emerson Borg of Baltimore, and Dae Borg of North Carolina. Her siblings also survive her: Josie Mena of Fresno, David Mena (Sandra) of Visalia, Terry Espinoza (Pete) of Clovis, and Susan Syljaberget (Rein) of Oakdale. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Marquez, her brother, Sal Mena (Teresa Acosta Mena), and her brother-in-law, Pete. She is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, located at 202 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706. A Funeral Mass will be taking place at The Shrine of St. Therese, located at 855 E Floradora Ave, Fresno, CA 93728 at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Burial will be on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Bakersfield National Cemetery, located at 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA 93203 at 10:00 a.m.