Mary Jane Martin

Mary was born in Fresno, California, on the first day of spring in 1949 to Manuel and Hilda Mattos. She grew up on the family dairy near Easton, surrounded by her four siblings and many close cousins.

Mary was tenacious, hardworking, generous, and had an unwavering sense of ethics, all traits found in her father whom she was incredibly close to. She embodied these principles her entire life and was loved by all who knew her.

Mary was a proud and loving mother to her three children, Denise, Amy, and David. In her early years, she dedicated herself to raising them while also earning extra income by caring for the children of her two sisters and her best friend. She lovingly referred to her nephews and godchildren as her “other kids,” holding them close to her heart. Their antics often brought a mix of chaos and laughter, sometimes giving her quite a scare, but always creating cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Eventually, Mary was hired at Fresno Unified School District and enjoyed a 31-year career at Starr Elementary. She began as a teacher’s aide in regular education and later in her career became a para-educator in the special education program for severely autistic students. She was a natural in that role and truly loved her students, advocating every day on their behalf and would always go the extra mile for them and their families.

Mary also worked part-time at a Fresno law firm during these years. She made genuine and life-long friends there and shared so many fun memories, especially playing softball on the firm’s team. She also met her partner Cindy during this time. They have spent the last 29 years together, sharing their lives with their extended families, wonderful friends, and close neighbors who became family.

Mary enjoyed the simple pleasures in life—reading a good true crime novel, watching murder mysteries or sports on the couch, and satisfying her sweet tooth with a good dessert. Her favorite escape was the Central Coast where she spent much of her childhood. While walking on the sand wasn’t her favorite thing, she loved the soothing sound of the ocean waves. One of the traveling highlights of her life was going to Portugal with Cindy, her sister Sue, and brother-in-law Chris. It was a magical and unforgettable time that she held close to her heart.

Family meant everything to Mary. She adored her children, five grandchildren, her partner, 2 sons-in-law, and daughter-in-law, sharing a unique and special bond with each one. Her selfless love knew no limits—she would go to great lengths for those she cared about, always putting their needs ahead of her own. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could always make us laugh with her quick wit and unforgettable one-liners.

We would give anything to have more time with her, as her love and presence brought immeasurable light into our lives. Mary will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary was predeceased in death by her parents, Manuel and Hilda Mattos and her brother James Mattos. She is survived by her partner, Cindy Banks, her daughter Denise Roberts and husband Jason, daughter Amy Lore and husband Hal, son David Martin, Jr., and wife Jodi. Her grandchildren, Sarah Lore, Amanda Lore and Ryan Lore, Emma Roberts, and Ben Roberts. Her siblings, sister Carol Olsen and husband Rod, brother Sonny Mattos and wife Celeste, sister Maureen Margarian and husband Henry and sister-in-law Leslie Mattos. Her nephews and niece, Rodney Olsen and wife Mariette, Brian Mattos and wife Bianca, Brenden Olsen and wife Cindy, Matthew Margarian and wife Astrid, Jeff Margarian and wife Randi, McKenna Mattos, and Jared Mattos.

A visitation for Mary will be held Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, California 93720 followed by a Recitation of Holy Rosary at 6:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 10:00 am Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 2838 N West Ave, Fresno, CA 93705 followed by a Committal Service immediately after the funeral mass at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.

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