Mary Saldivar

Saldivar, Mary, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2010 in Santa Ana, California. A lifelong resident of Santa Ana she was born on March 18, 1937 at Santa Ana Hospital to Pedro and Alice Luna. With her siblings, she was raised on the east side in what is known as the "Logan Barrio". The second of nine children to Pedro and Alice, Mary learned about responsibility early as she was depended on to help care for her siblings. As a young girl she learned to work hard and love God, two traits that were with her until the end. It was on Logan Street that as a teenager Mary met the love of her life, Humberto Saldivar, who lived across the street. Mary and "Beto" dated and eventually married on May 20, 1955. Soon, the Saldivar family began to blossom as they welcomed their first son Carlos. They were next blessed with their first daughter Sandra, with Cynthia, Carol, and Susan to follow, and finally their second son Sergio. In the late 60's, the Saldivar family settled on Cedar Street, which would be Mary's home for the rest of her life. She filled her home with love and like her heart opened it up to all. To Beto she was Maria, to the kids she was Mom. To nine she was Sis, to many she was Grandma, and to many more she was Aunt Mary. To hundreds she was friend and to all she was love! It is a legacy of Love that Mary leaves for all. Mary was not concerned with money or worldly possessions, but with helping others and pleasing God. Through her faith, love, and kindness, she taught others of true unconditional love by example. When Mary said "I love you", you felt it in your heart, because it came straight from hers. Mary's words were never empty and her heart was always full. Family and friends alike could count on Mary in times of trouble. Many times it was as if she knew of your problem before you even told her that you had one. She would put her hand on your shoulder, close her eyes, and pray for you. After, she would talk with you about your problem, God, and the need for prayer. She had a trusting gracious heart with an amazing ability to listen, comfort, and heal. She helped to change many lives and many people's destinies for the better. Mary was a prayer warrior. She prayed for all as if they were her own children. To those that knew her, she was a precious gem of a woman, shining brighter than silver and more valuable than gold. She will be missed by many, but never forgotten. Mary is survived by her husband, Humberto; sons, Carlos and Sergio; daughters, Sandra, Cynthia, Carol, and Susan; 21 grand children; 10 great-grand children; brothers, John, Peter, Leo, and Alvin Luna; sisters, Sylvia Oseguera, Carmen Robles, and Linda Wright; her aunt Stella Renfro, and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her father, Pedro and mother, Alice; sister, Edith Duarte; brother, Frank Luna; and grandson, Carlos Jr. We take solace in knowing that today they dance and rejoice together in heaven. A viewing and memorial service will be held at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mausoleum Monday 10/18/10 viewing from 4:00pm to 8:00pm with service at 6:00pm. Funeral will be held at Rock of Salvation Church in Santa Ana Tuesday 10/19/10 at 10:00am with burial to follow at Fairhaven Cemetery.