Mary Alonzo Curiel

She was the eldest of three, her two younger siblings were Pepe Alonzo and Jesus Alonzo. They loved her dearly and were always close to her throughout their lives. The family was Catholic and worked with the church in theatre productions that took them across the Southwest. Ultimately, they settled in Los Angeles, California.

She loved going to school and truly enjoyed learning, but her star shined brightest when she was in social settings. As a young girl, she befriended many of the fellow children in the Los Angeles neighborhood, friendships that she maintained until the end. She lived her childhood during the 1930’s, Americas Great Depression. She always spoke of this era, as a struggle, but one that she found adventure and happiness in. “I remember they would issue red rationing-tickets, this was for food, shoes and clothes. We were kids though, so we didn’t know how bad things were, we would get in line and play as we waited, not noticing much.” Perhaps this is where she learned to find joy in even the toughest of times.

After the Great Depression, her family moved once again, this time to a different country-Mexico. They settled in the border city of Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua. Unfortunately, shortly after the move, her father became ill and passed away. This was another hard time for her and her family as they lost their patriarch. But in moments like these, she always found a way to forge on. She was tough, very tough, especially when deemed necessary. So she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. Her first job was at a well-known Laundromat, Quarter Master Laundry. There she would receive commercial laundry orders from area merchants. One of those clients was a young man by the name of Euginio Curiel, who ran multiple businesses on either side of the border. On one of his many visits, he asked her out on a date. She hesitantly said ‘yes’ but claimed she fell in love with him on that first dinner and evening stroll. Every time she spoke of him, she always lit up and said “Oh, how I miss my Guerro.”

They would go on to get married in 1944. Eugino, was a well to do merchant. He owned general stores, petroleum distribution channels, and countless real estate properties to include a massive 500+ acre ranch. Fortunately for her, she was able to stop working, her husband even purchased a home next to their estate, for her mother to live in. Together they would go on to have nine children Miguel, Lazaro, Juan, Lupe, Jesus, Felipe Luis, Manuel and Margarita. Two of them died shortly after their birth: Miguel and Felipe. She spoke of them throughout her life, not letting the world forget of their existence. The rest of the children all grew up in the their home in Cd. Juarez, where they would rise the Curiel name to a well known prominent name.

These were perhaps her “Golden Years” as she was able to spend her time raising her children and enjoy being with her mother.

In 1972 after a long battle with diabetes Mary lost her husband. It was an event that would change her world forever. Mary decided to sell the business and move back to EL Paso, her hometown. She purchased a home and once again, rolled up her sleeves and got right back to work. With most of her children now adults, she landed a job at William Beaumont Hospital. She helped prep the operating rooms in the hospital. She did this for over 20 years and won multiple awards for her excellent service.

If you ever spoke to her long enough she would drop a joke. One of her most famous ones was if you asked her something that involved doing something or planning for the future, her response was “Ya para mis tres dias” which means “For my three days, that I have left.” She would say this as a joke to us, but in reality she would say it because she knew that life wasn’t guaranteed and that there is a chance that tomorrow may not come. I can only think that this is why she was always so focused on laughter and happiness at every single moment.

To an amazing person, a loving mother, a giving grandmother, an all-welcoming friend, and a beautiful person. We love you Mary, we will never forget you and we hope you rest in peace.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-9:00pm Monday, June 24, at Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer Street, with Rosary being prayed at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00am Tuesday, June 25, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 9025 Diana Drive. Committal service will follow at Restlawn Cemetery, 4848 Alps.