Mary Lou, 80, of Gilroy, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her children: Margie DeLaCruz, Joey Garcia, Mari "Punkin" Espinoza (Reuben), Jesse Garcia (Brett), Rudy Garcia (Sherry), Leonard Garcia, Gina Carrillo (Joe); Jesus "Chuy" Amezquita who was like a son to her; her grandchildren: Anthony, Richard, Elizabeth, Patricia, Georgina, Cherice, Selina, Autumn, Tara, Monique "Nikki"  and Jazzy, Joe Jr. "Little Joe", Stephanie, Christy; her 18 great grandchildren; her 6 sisters and 2 brothers and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her husband Jose Santos Garcia, Mother Nellie Sanchez, brother Ralph Hernandez, sister Nadine "Vivi" Hernandez and her daughter in-law Pamela Alatorre.

Born in Santa Paula, CA, she spent some of her life in Gilroy, Fresno and Texas but ended with the last 40 plus years here in Gilroy. She worked at Christopher Ranch, where many of her long time friendships began. After leaving Christopher Ranch, she ran a second hand store for many years. When that ended, she went into retail and spent her last 17 years of employment working at the outlets. Brooks Brothers is where she proudly spent her last 12 years of employment and she retired in 2013.

Mary Lou was a loving and kindhearted person who enjoyed time with her family, listening to music and having people over to visit. You would walk into her house and see her collection of crystal figurines and when she was heading out, she always wore a brooch on her coat.

She'd always ask what her guests wanted to eat, she was always ready to cook and finish it off with some dessert. She sure did have a sweet tooth! She took pride in what each of her children were doing in life and telling about her grandkids.

Over the years, health conditions kept her from enjoying family outings as much, but she tried to make the best of it. She also enjoyed quiet time and time to herself but always balanced it out with work and family. Her quiet time included watching her novelas as well as the news that was always on in the background.

She loved working and enjoyed all the friendships that began while doing so over the years. Many will say that she was always there to lend an ear and gave great advice.

Mary Lou lived a long, beautiful life. She will forever be in our hearts. "Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure...Loving you always, forgetting you never."

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 17, 2019, 10:00 AM at Habing Family Funeral Home.