to John and Roxie Baronian in Fresno, Ca.,Mary passed away September 12, 2025, at the age of 103 years old.
Also known as WWII Rosie the Riveter
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Blanche and Doris Buckhard, Rose Monz,brothers, John and Henry Baronian.
She is survived by her sister Jennie Hardsaw of Marin County.
Mary Riveted on the B-17 During WWII and was a guard where they made P-38’s at Lockheed Aircraft in Fresno, Ca. They assembled a B-17 in Burbank and flew it to then Hammer Field was located on Clovis Ave. between McKinley and Dakota Ave in Fresno so, we could see where our part fit in. She later flew on the B-17, Memphis Belle, at Fresno Airport. The plant was located at the old Fresno Ice Rink on Olive and Fresno Street. At that time Our pay was 90 cents per hour for the Women and $1.20 for Men.
She then worked for Vagini Packing Company for 11 years. When they closed, she worked for the Fresno County Sheriff's Department for 25 years. Retiring in 1981.Mary worked in nearly ever department, 3 years at Mental Health and 13 years in the Coroner's Department. After she retired, she worked at the Big Fresno Fair as a Judges Clerk in the Agricultural Building for 32 years.
She has been entered in the New Armenian History Building at the Fresno Fair. After her retirement, Mary had a party in her lovely yard for years inviting her family from out of town and many friends. She loved her beautiful yard and home and always shared her lovely flowers with everyone.
Her mother died at an early age and Mary remained with her widowed father until his death.Mary was always available to any family members in need of assistance and loved helping others.
She has many loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home, it was always a pleasure for me to wait on your professional Directors and Staff members at the coroner’s office. I worked with them for 13 years.
Services: Wednesday, October 1st. 2025 with Visitation 9:00am to 10:00 a.m. at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home – 836 East Nees, Fresno, Ca., 93720
Celebration of Life Service will be held in The Chapel at 10:00 a.m.
A Committal service is scheduled for October 1, 2025, at 11:30 am at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.
