Mary Lou Solorio

MaryLou Mora was born on November 5, 1943, in Fillmore, California, to Candelario and Rafaela Mora. She was the youngest of six children—three boys and three girls—and grew up alongside her beloved Aunt Salud Mora (“Tia”), who lived with the family.

As a baby, MaryLou moved with her family to ‘C’ Street in downtown Fresno, where she spent most of her life. Her parents owned a Mexican restaurant and later built a successful tortilla business, La Victoria Tortillas, on ‘F’ Street. Being the youngest sibling, MaryLou formed close bonds with many of her nieces and nephews, including Gary, Patty, and John Pino; Terri and Vicki Espana; Michael and Stephanie Mora; and many others.

On April 8, 1967, MaryLou married Robert (“Jess”) Rendon. They were married for ten years and had four children: Cindy Gallo, Robert Rendon, Stephen Rendon (Ashley), and Ralph Rendon (Christina). On July 12, 1980, she married Vincent J. Solorio of Madera, California. They shared 44 loving years together until Vince’s passing on February 21, 2025. Vince had four adult children: Chris Solorio (Bertha), Ben Solorio, and Terri Charles (David).

MaryLou was preceded in death by her parents, Candelario and Rafaela Mora; her Aunt Salud; her brothers Pete, Nash, and John Mora; and her sister Beatrice Pino. Her sister Lupe Williams survives her. MaryLou deeply mourned Vince’s passing and often spoke of the day they would be reunited.

Throughout her life, MaryLou worked in the food industry. She began in her family’s restaurant and tortilla business, later worked in the cafeteria for Fresno Unified School District, and eventually found her true calling at Kaiser Permanente in Fresno. For 11 years, she served in Nutrition Services, preparing and delivering food trays to patients across the hospital. Even after retirement, she was fondly remembered by staff who recognized her and recalled her warm presence.

MaryLou was known for her gentle spirit and radiant smile. Her favorite role was being “Grandma” to her many grandchildren: Allyson and Katie (Ben), David, Alex, Johnnie (Chris), Matthew (Cindy), Ava, Gentri, and Holland (Stephen), Grant and Grace (Ralph), as well as nine great-grandchildren.

She cherished lifelong friendships with Lydia (Paloma) Borrunda and Diane Orozco, and shared warm neighborly bonds with Randy & Gerianne, Ed & Grace, Gary & Janet, Phyllis, and Paul & Lisa on Poplar Street. MaryLou and Vince enjoyed countless walks with their beloved Pomeranians—Happy, Chico, and Toby—and treasured the mailbox chats that came with them.

MaryLou’s extended family included Vince’s circle of retired colleagues from United Vintners and Hublien Winery, such as Cece, Kris, Jose, Julie, Marvin & Jose, At, Etta, Phyllis, Connie & Bob, Fran, Mike, Leroy, and Vernious. Together, they shared many memorable business trips and celebrations over the years.

MaryLou will be remembered for the love she poured into her cooking and baking. Her home was always open, filled with the aroma of her delicious Mexican dishes, pies, and cookies. She hosted countless holidays, birthdays, bridal and baby showers, and summer barbecues, creating cherished memories for all who gathered.

"Now reunited in heaven with Vince and their loved ones, MaryLou rests in the embrace of our Father and Christ’s love. May she continue to watch over us until we meet again."

Dress code: To celebrate MaryLou’s life we ask attendees to please wear bright colors instead of all black for her services. Thank you