Mary Saragosa Leon

Born on 3/5/1919 in Mexico, passed away peacefully on 5/8/2011 at her home in Costa Mesa. Mary came to Costa Mesa in 1935 where she met and married the love of her life, Refugio (Ralph) Leon in 1940. They live in Costa Mesa all of their married life. After 69 years of marriage, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph in 2009. She worked for many years at Cla-Val Co. and at a fishing rod manufacturing co. In 1973 she retired to take on her lifelong role of family matriarch. She was very proud of having become a U.S. citizen at a very young age. Her amazing traditional Christmas tamales recipe has been passed down to her children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Santiago and Maria Saragosa; brothers Raymundo, Victor, Carmel and Joe; sisters Julia Razo, Lupe Aburto and Frances Ortiz. She is survived by her two children whom she adored and was extremely proud of; son Edward (Sharon) Leon of Anchorage, Alaska; daughter Lupe (Michael) Cleavinger of Costa Mesa; five grandchildren Shawnessy Hughes, Jaime (Julie) Leon, Dahndi (Leonard) Wheeler, Jill (Mark) Matzkanin, Lanie McGill and 7 great grandchildren. Also survived by her sisters Luisa Leon, Connie Martin, Annie Martinez and Dale Medina.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to Meals on Wheels at Community Senior Serv at www.communityseniorserv.com. Viewing from 5 pm to 9 pm with rosary at 7 pm at Harbor Lawn Mortuary 1625 Gisler Ave., Costa Mesa, on Friday May 13th. Mass on Saturday May 14th at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Costa Mesa at 12 noon. Burial to follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Orange.