Mary L. Apodaca

Mary L. Apodaca was born on September 16, 1933 in Safford, Arizona. Mary was one of 10 children. She had 4 sisters and 5 brothers. When Mary was a young woman her family moved to Superior, Arizona where she met her future husband, Arthur P. Apodaca. He had returned home from serving in the US Army in Germany. They met and fell in love and married. They moved to California and settled permanently in Fresno. They purchased a house on Harrison Avenue and started a family. During their 54 years of marriage they had four children; Yolanda, Arthur Jr., Elizabeth, Rachell and adopted daughters; Celeste, Ali, Reyna and Carmen whom she loved as daughters. Mary had unofficially adopted other folks, whom she loved dearly and shared her life with, here in Fresno. Mary worked in the home to raise the children, keep the budget and provide for her family’s daily needs. She was a loving life partner for her husband! She would wake up early every day to prepare lunch for her husband before he left for work. They could often be heard talking over a cup of coffee at the dining room table before the sun would rise and Dad would have to leave for the day. After raising four children, Mary and Arthur enjoyed their retirement years together on Harrison Avenue. They would take mini vacations to visit their daughters in Sacramento, San Diego and San Jose. They were proud of all their children and grandchildren. After a long life our mom, Mary passed away in her home and is now in the presence of Jesus. She had said she was having dreams of “cutting bread” with our father. She was ready to be with the man she loved all her life. I’m sure Dad was there to welcome his bride.