Mary J. Bernal

1928 - 2006

Recitation of the Holy Rosary for Mary J. Bernal, age 78, will be on Tuesday, November 21st, at 6:00 p.m., at St. John's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, November 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., at St. John's Catholic Church. Mrs. Bernal was born in Loreto, Jalisco, Mexico, on February 6, 1928, to Elias and Maria Jaurequi. She came to California in 1948, and to Wasco in 1950, where she married Modesto Bernal on August 30, 1952. She was a member of the Guadalupanos and the St. John's Womens Altar Society. She was better known as the "Tamale Queen" of Wasco; her house had an open door during the Christmas Season for people to come and sample her tamales. She was also known for the green thumb, and everything she touched grew. She learned to speak English while watching soap operas. She greatly moved her husband, children and grandchildren, and was very devoted to her church. She is survived by her husband, Modesto, of 56 years; and son, Carlos and wife, Moselle Bernal; daughters, Vivian and husband, Terry Ruddell, Martha and husband, Harlan Sanford, Marylou and husband, Gary Inselman, and Teresa Bernal and Arthur Puente; brothers, Valentin, Praxedis, Elias and Benjamin Jaurequi; sisters, Emerita, Francisca and Ofelia Jaurequi; 15 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Elias and Maria Jaurequi and son, Benjamin Bernal. Visitation begins today Tuesday, November 21st, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Peters Funeral Home, in Wasco. Please sign Mary's guestbook at www.clarmar.com Mary J. Bernal Feb. 2, 1928 - Nov. 18, 2006 Peters Funeral Home-Wasco