Mary was born on August 25th 1937 to Simon and Marguerite Lopez in El Monte, CA.
Mary graduated from Montebello High School in 1955. She studied Early Child Development at Long Beach State University and was issued a teaching credential in June of 1975.
Following her love for teaching, she worked for El Rancho Unified School District for several years, and later the Southern Cal Gas Company where she retired after 20 years of service.
About 1954 Mary met the love of her life, Tomas Espinosa. Together they raised three children, daughters, Olga Marie, and Patricia Ann, and son, Tomas.
After retiring, Mary spent time between her home and Laughlin, Nevada with her husband Tom, and friends they frequently met there for slot tournaments and good times. These trips became so routine that her kids nicknamed her “Casino Mary”.
Mary loved spending time with her grandkids, watching The Price is Right, and sharing stories about her life. She spent hours teaching them not only how to read and write, but how to make great tamales!
She expressed love to all her family by cooking her favorite foods and sending everyone home with lunch for the following day.
Mary is survived by daughter Olga Marie Mendoza and husband John, Tricia Cole; grandchildren Michaelanthony Cole, Alyssa Garza, Gavin-Christian Cole, and John Mendoza. Sisters, Frances Melendrez, Eloise Castro, Marguerite Sandoval, and brother, Simon Lopez.
