Mary Lou Wilbur

Mary Lou Wilbur was born a twin and one of 13 children born to Monica and Juan Navarro on December 4, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. She resided in Pico Rivera where she attended El Rancho High School. She met her husband Robert at Legg Lake in South El Monte while barbecuing with her family. That day her sister Gloria also met the love of her life, Robert's cousin Gilbert. The four later married one day apart from each other. Mary Lou remained married to her sweetheart Robert until he passed away in 2015. Mary Lou received a credential in medical office administration and later established a 25-year career working for the 99 Cents Only Stores. It was there that she made connections and touched the lives of many with her smile and witty personality. She was dedicated and possessed a work ethic that surpassed many. Her dedication and devotion carried over into her family life as well. She reduced her hours at work to become the primary caretaker for her mother-in-law Betty and then again for her own mother Monica. Putting her personal life on hold to care for her loved ones was second nature to Mary Lou. She was humble and selfless in all that she pursued. After Robert passed away, Mary Lou yearned to build a new relationship with God. She was eager and anxious to form a new bond and to find peace within her spirit. Mary Lou was determined to grow in her faith and began her journey of getting to know the Lord. She often said she would read Scripture repeatedly and try to find the meaning behind the words, but she struggled to connect. Gradually and with persistence she began to unscramble the words and grow in her faith. In her final days her faith was stronger than ever. Her spirit was unbreakable. Her body was breaking, but her faith was resilient. Neither the pain, nor the exhaustion, would compromise her faith in the Lord's promise to her that she was His and He was in control. Mary Lou is survived by five children and their spouses: Robert aka Bear, Desiree, David (BeckieLynn), Rebecca (Gabriel) and Anthony (Regina). Mary Lou leaves behind 11 grandchildren who she adored and cherished. Her grandchildren were asked how they will remember their grandmother and they replied, via text of course, with:

funny 🤨, no filter 🤠, baking 🧁 , sociable 🗣, making fun of me 😑.

In 61 years of life, Mary Lou Wilbur accomplished more than most will ever accomplish in a lifetime - she found her faith.

“I don't know why this is happening, but I know that I want my kids to be together. I want them to know God and if that’s what will come from all of this, then that’s okay. God has this."

- Mary Lou Wilbur