Mary Ortega Rangel died peacefully on August 5, 2016 at her home in Sylmar, CA. She was 96 years old. Mary was the oldest of 12 children. She was born and raised in Piru, CA and remained close with her siblings and extended family throughout the years.
At a young age, Mary began working for the Piru Citrus Association as a packer and grader where she worked for over 50 years. During that time, she met and married Lupe Rangel (also of Piru) and had three children. After retiring, she cared for dozens of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren who all adored her.
Mary will be remembered for her lively spirit, witty one-liners and her tremendous hospitality. Her door was always open to family and friends. At home there was always a pot of coffee, a home cooked meal, an ice cold Coors, and friendly conversation. She will be missed dearly. Mary was a member of San Salvador Mission Church and the Sacred Heart Society.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Lupe; both of her sons, Jimmy and Eddie Rangel; her parents Ignacio and Amanda Ortega, and six of her siblings; Lupita Ortega, Esperanza Ortega, Jennie Ruiz, Ramona Golson, Joe (Wero) Ortega, and Victor Ortega.
She is survived by her daughter, Sylvia Orona (husband Raymond) of Sylmar, daughter-in-law Lucy Rangel of Fillmore, siblings Consuelo Ruiz of Piru, Henry Ortega of Yerrington, NV, Delfina Ortega of Piru, Catherine Cervantez of Piru, and Angel Ortega of Fillmore, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 4 great- great grandchildren, and dozens of extended family.
A memorial mass was held at San Salvador Church on Wednesday August 10th followed by burial at Bardsdale Cemetery.