Mercedes Mary Garibay

Mercedes was born Gary Indiana just as the Great Depression was developing, to Mary Francis (Arzate) Garibay and Ignacio Garibay. She had 2 brothers, John and Gabriel and 5 sisters: Rose, Rita, Cora, Carmen and her sole surviving sister, Hope Garibay Hernandez. They survived the Depression and moved to California, settling in Fresno, opening a small grocery store, Mi Rancho, and were surrounded by relatives. Mom always honored her oldest sister, Rose Garibay Canales for the survival of the family.

Mercedes graduated from Edison High School in Fresno and later in life studied Early Childhood Education, Cosmetology and Dental prosthetics. She worked intermittently as preschool aide, licensed hairdresser and was the butcher in the family store.

She met Roberto Recendez from Five Points California, married 1951 and began her 25 + years as a Marine and Navy wife and homemaker. Her children, Jackie and Robert . were born on military bases. She made a home in many, many military stations in California, Virginia, Maryland , Texas, North Carolina and Hawaii. She returned to Fresno when her 2nd husband, Wayne Gibson, was in Viet Nam and her family sustained her. They retired in Salinas, California and Mercedes returned to Fresno in 1979.

She taught her children to adapt to new places, make friends everywhere, how to read travel road maps, economize, hang clothes on the line, appreciate British films and Downton Abbey, play music in the kitchen, and to plant a tree or garden in each home. She was the proud of her budget skills, told stories of surf fishing found joy in her garden, read the Fresno Bee newspaper daily, planned garage sales, was a travel guide for senior bus trips, raised German Shepard puppies, and a kidney donor to her sister Carmen.

Mercedes loved animals, and this love was transferred to her children early in life. Her dog and cat companions on Roosevelt Street will be well cared for by her son. Also, the huge cedar and persimmon tree in her yard, with many generations of squirrels and birds, will continue to be a source of peace for her family.

She was a good friend to many people, very creative, a hard worker, great story teller, and appreciated the unusual in life. She could make a great cranberry celery jello, amazing mint iced tea, superb pumpkin pie, and up until 2020, still could do a pot roast right.

The Great Depression had taught her that everyone, at some point in their life, will need a helping hand from others . Her sisters Rose and Carmen significantly helped her during the peaks and valleys of her life . Carmel Recendez, sister in law, guided her also, and the unique friend Marianne Clock (2019) of Seward, Alaska. Her niece Rita Moreno Redondo made life carefree as they attended cosmetology school in the 60’s. There are many others to name who were special to Mom through the years. Our mother Mercedes is now with these loved friends, companions, and relatives, enjoying each other again. That gives us great comfort.

She is survived by son Robert O. Recendez of Fresno, daughter Jacquelyn M Recendez (John H Williams) of Redondo Beach CA. We thank her dear nephew David Garibay and wife Gloria for always including her, singing , making her laugh and feel special. We received special support from her nephews Joey Moreno, Tommy Garibay (2021) and nieces, Rachel Recendez Stalis , Mary Recendez Nakayama, and their families. Mercedes kept pictures of all in her living room. The Williams Family, of Cambria CA and now Pat Williams in Franklin TN , welcomed her to the family, and supported her children through Mercedes’ illness. She loved John H. Williams for his work ethic, hanging her ceiling fan and making her laugh. Her children thank Bristol Hospice team for helping them during these difficult months. Jackie honors her brother, Robert O Recendez for his caregiving of his mother. We miss her dearly and thought we were prepared to say goodbye, but is difficult.

In her memory, listen to someone having a difficult time, or make a home for animal in need, or plant a garden. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the GARIBAY family.