It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Narvaez, age 81, of Avenal, California, on Friday, August 15, 2025. Mary was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, to Esperanza Aguilar Ortega and Jose Valdez Ortega.
Mary was a woman of deep faith whose love for God shaped every aspect of her life. She was devoted to her church, and her home was a place of constant prayer and spiritual reflection. Her joyful and kind spirit touched everyone who knew her. Mary found great joy in spending time with her family, often engaging in long, meaningful conversations with her siblings. She had a special love for her dog, Milo, enjoyed tending to her many plants, and cherished her long daily walks which brought her peace and clarity.
Mary is survived by her loving husband, Jesse T. Narvaez. She is also survived by her step-sons, Jesse Jr. Narvaez, and his wife Jackie of Santa Rosa, and Eddie Narvaez, and his wife Diana and their children Dylan Narvaez and Brandon Narvaez of Bakersfield.
Mary's memory will also live on through her many siblings: Evelyn Garza of Orosi, Amparo Cerda of Dinuba, John Ortega of Ventura, Alicia Delgado of Maryland, Raul Ortega of Visalia, Jose Ortega, Jr. of Orosi, Lucy Ortega of Visalia, Martha Jackson of Visalia, Albert Ortega of Cutler, Rosie Alvarez of Visalia, Ramon Ortega of Irvine, and Teresa Ohton of Phoenix, Arizona. She was a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews who will fondly remember her warmth, humor, and enduring love.
Mary was preceded in death by her father, Jose Valdez Ortega, and her mother, Esperanza Aguilar Ortega.
A visitation to honor Mary’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dopkins Funeral Chapel, located at 189 South J Street, Dinuba, California. A funeral service will follow on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Christian Worship Center, 240 E Fresno Street, Dinuba, California. Interment will take place afterward at Smith Mountain Cemetery, 42088 Road 100, Dinuba, California.
Mary Narvaez will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her steadfast faith, and the love she so freely gave to all those around her. Her legacy of devotion, family, and kindness will remain forever in the hearts of those she touched.
