Mary Magdalene Marez

Mary Magdalene Marez (Maria Magdalena), age 87, of Fresno, California went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024. Mary was born at home in Malaga, California on March 13, 1937. She was the second eldest daughter of Fermin and Rosa Gonzales.

Mary grew up on her family’s ranch in Bowles. She graduated from Washington Union High School in 1955. With the encouragement of her brother Robert, she attended 4C’s College for a short while to gain some office skills and got her first job with the County of Fresno. Mary met her husband John at a Valentine’s Day dance at the Rainbow Ballroom. They were married a year later at Pastor Campa’s church/home with her sister Esther as her maid of honor. John and Mary welcomed fraternal twins Tom and Lisa in September 1963 and three years later had their daughter Susan. Mary stayed home for several years to raise her children. She attended Fresno City College and then later went to work at the City of Fresno where she retired in 1995 from the Finance Department.

Mary came to faith in Christ at a young age. She was the fifth of twelve children and was the first child born after her parents Fermin and Rosa were saved at a revival. She always remembered going to downtown Fresno with her parents to evangelize. She said her dad would play the guitar and sing and her mom would share the gospel. Mary was blessed with many miracles in her life. In her testimony she spoke of how one night after she was baptized a bright light came into her bedroom and her parents told her it was Jesus. The next morning her mom told everyone that Mary kept them up all night filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary loved praying for all of her family and hoped everyone she knew would live their life knowing and honoring Jesus Christ. She lived a long life and enjoyed 61 years of marriage to the love of her life John. Mary passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

Mary loved spending time with her family whether that was at home, on vacation or going to other family gatherings. She had a special connection with all of her sisters, and they have many fond memories together whether it was travelling to LA, Bible study with her sister-in-law Polly or just going shopping together. Mary really enjoyed any vacation that involved going to the coast with her grandchildren where she would sit down, breathe in the fresh ocean air and listen to the relaxing sound of the ocean waves. And eating fresh ocean seafood!

Mary has “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Now there is in store for her a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to her and to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Mary is survived by her loving husband John, her son Tom Marez, her two daughters Lisa Marez and Susan Dana, her son-in-law Roger Dana, her grandchildren Elena Marez and Haley Marez, her three sisters Hope Carrillo, Esther Herrera, Debra Gonzales, one brother Sam Gonzales and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31st, 2025, at 11:30 am. We would love for you to gather with us and help us celebrate Mary’s life. Please text Susan at 559-906-4689 for details.