MaryEllen Garcia

Mary Ellen was predeceased by Mother and Father, Mercedes and Jesus Lopez, her Daughter Reyna Marie Garcia and Great Granddaughter Seriya Reyna.

She is survived by Daughters and Son-in-laws: Alexandria Garcia, Victoria Garcia and Chio Saeyang and Dolores Garcia and Tony Ayala; Grandchildren Cheyenne Saeyang, Ace Saeyang and Jocelyn Ayala; and Great Grandchildren Andrew Reyna and Marianna Reyna. Beloved Sister to siblings Rosie Lopez, Esperanza Figueroa, Paul Lopez, Jess Lopez, Stella Lopez, and George Lopez. A special Nina and Tia to all Nieces and Nephews, a companion and a warm friend to many.

Mary Ellen was born in San Jose on April 18, 1961. In her teens, while working with her Father at the Minute Man Car Wash, she met Hugo Garcia, went on to work for the Santa Clara County as an EW III and they started a family. They later relocated and settled in Merced, where Mary Ellen continued to work for the County as an Eligibility Worker, student services at Merced City College and was able to apply her passion in helping the underserved students, always providing resources and assistance to help students and families have their needs met in education, well health and stable residence. Mary Ellen also worked for the Merced Sunstar, having two jobs to ensure her girls were well provided for.

Upon her retirement, she spent her time helping to raise her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She loved family BBQs, taking vacations, movie nights with popcorn, ice cream and “Law and Order,” enjoyed her “Oldies but Goodies”, grooved to “The Tide is High” by Blondie, watching happy ending Hallmark movies, and enjoyed crocheting and journaling. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her and our memories of her will forever be cherished and held dear to our hearts.

“Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end, they simply mean I miss you until we meet again.”