Mary was born in Madera, California on June 14th, 1950, to her parents William Suel Wilmer and Martha Elizabeth Wilmer. She had three brothers and three sisters. Suel, Billie, Timmie, Dorothy, Betty and Nelly. She had six children Tommie Van Tassel Jr (Lisa), Dannie Van Tassel Sr (Davina), Christy Lourenco (Fernando), Tammy Willet (Alex), Tina Calderon (Jorge) and Shelly Kassem (Jeffrey). She was blessed with 17 grandchildren, Corey, Crystal, John, Breanna, Dannie Jr, Justin, Kayla, Anesa, Malik, Yasmine, Zak, Amber, Ibrahim, Sophia, Maya, Daniella and Jorge Jr. She was also blessed with 12 great grandchildren, Brady, Braxton, Brody, Beau, Blake, Kaydin, Zaydin, Bella, Asma, Ariel, Adam, and Yahia. She had three more great grandchildren on the way.
She was proceeded in death by her parents William and Martha Wilmer, her brother Suel Wilmer, her son Dannie Van Tassel Sr and his wife Davina, and her granddaughter Amber Kassem.
She was raised in the Central Valley where she picked fruit and cotton to help her parents when she was growing up.
Mary lived in Chowchilla most of her adult life. She later moved to Modesto where she was a caregiver for many years.
She loved her family unconditionally and would do anything for her children. Mary loved country music, one of her favorite songs was Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’ by Charley Pride. She also loved watching TLC, Hallmark and Lifetime. One of her favorite shows was The Waltons.
Mary also loved talking on the CB radio, which many had known her as her handle Candy Kisses. She loved to go camping and fishing, she would even go frogging and have fish fries and frog leg fries at Lake Buchannan.
Mary loved to cook for her family anytime she could, one of the best things the family loved was her Lemon Meringue pie and potato salad for every family gathering.
When Mary would have family gatherings, she would use a whole can of Aqua Net fixing her hair.
Mary could fix anything, she worked on her own car, she could change her own tire, fix the washer and dryer, and even repair the kitchen sink. Lainey Wilson would be so proud, “Things a man oughta know” she knew.
One of many things Mary loved was Coca Cola, she would get so mad when she had to drink water.
Her favorite perfume was "Beautiful" along with her favorite flower which was pink roses. She was a very strong and unselfish person.
Mary didn’t have many materialistic things, but the things she did have, she cherished. She had a heart of gold and would do anything for you. Our entire family is deeply heartbroken with the loss of her, she will forever be in our hearts and not a day will go by where she is not missed.
Graveside Service for Mary will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Chowchilla District Cemetery, 23359 Rd 14 1/2, Chowchilla, California.
Please join us in remembering Mary Elizabeth Willet by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Willet Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger.
