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Mary Stephens Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Stephens
Judie Richardson Brown
September 19, 2023
I stopped laughing so easily when you left us and I really miss that. Mary you have always had such a special place in my heart....your laugh, your cheeky grin, the freckles on your knees and the way you say my name, JB. You will always be!!!!
Judie Brown
September 19, 2022
I loved you Mary and can still hear you call my name
Kathy Perry
October 24, 2008
I have just heard today of Mary's passing. She and I were friends at Franklin High School in Stockton. There was no one like Mary. My heartfelt sympathy goes to Dinah, her mom, and her brother Wayne. I can't believe she is gone, but she'll never be forgotten.
I like so many will remember her wonderful smile and that sense of humor and laugh that made you feel so good. The last time I saw her was at our 35th class reunion and we connected again just like we always had in high school. Mary was a remarkable person and I'm glad that our lives crossed even for just a short time. I'm so sorry I won't get the chance to see her again at least not here on earth. God bless all of you who loved her.
With sincere sympathy,
Kathy (Sowers) Perry
Loren Lewis
October 6, 2008
My condolences to Mary's family. She was a great person and friend. I first met her when she worked for the Clovis Post Office and then recently would see her when she would come into the PostAnnex store at First/Bullard. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Gloria Helms
October 1, 2008
I remember a lot of great fun times many years ago. Your smile was very special.
Cheryl Waymack
September 28, 2008
42 years is a long time to be someone's best friend. Not enough time. I know you knew how much I loved you. I know how much you loved me. Past tense seems so wrong to use. I, like Judy, have a broken heart. Give my family members, Edna, and even the bulldogs a kiss from me. Don't forget to kiss Earl's bald head. I don't know what I will do without you.
PS...Sandy says thank you for the laughter, joy, and for inspiring her to be more like you. She loves you dearly.
Dan & Gloria Gobin & Family
September 27, 2008
In remembrance of a dear family friend.
Daryl & Linda Gobin & Family
September 27, 2008
Maxine,
Sorry to hear about Mary. It was the most wonderful thing to be able to grow up with her. She has given us all so many awesome memories. My family was able to get to know Mary on a vacation to visit Deb a few years ago (so now my girl's know why I am the way I am). Just remember "we started our trip at raft and gas" (ask Deb). We will forever miss Mary, we loved her dearly. We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers
Jill Rafel
September 26, 2008
Wow! Hard to believe. To those who remember when Mary started the "Women Out'Spoking' " bike club, maybe we could all get together one Saturday and do a short ride for all the good times we had with Mary.
Patty Hidalgo
September 26, 2008
My condolences goes out to the family of Mary Stephens. I had the pleasure of working with Mary while she was employed with PBG. My memories of Mary were her contagious laughter and inspiration that she gave to others. I can remember Mary always asking why Pepsi does not offer insurance to pets. Her bulldogs meant so much to her.
I have received several calls from employees who use to work for PBG that remember her and are shocked that she is no longer with us.
She is in a better place and is now watching down upon her family and many friends. She will always be remembered in my heart.
HR Coordinator
Pepsi Bottling Group - Fresno
Janell Beamon - RHS
September 26, 2008
I had the pleasure of working with Mary since the beginning of last year at RHS. Mary had many gifts and always brought a unique energy and light, esp. when working with our special needs students. I remember her as a happy person who always wore a smile. We will all miss her very, very much.
Paulette Kovac & Suzey Trotter
September 26, 2008
We were very sad to hear the news of Mary's accident and our hearts go out to Dinah, all her family and friends. God must have needed a great smile!
September 26, 2008
Even though I haven't seen you for many, many years, I still remember all the good times, your friendship and your very special smile. My prayers and thoughts go out to your partner, family and all of your friends.
Lucille Lascano (Anaheim, CA)
Beetzie Ballinger
September 26, 2008
I was so fortunate to get to spend time with Mary when she lived in San Diego. We camped, rode bikes, celebrated Halloween and were partners as we rooted for the 49ers. My heartfelt sympathy to her mother, to Dinah and to all those who will miss her presence in our lives--she left us much too soon. Beetzie Ballinger
Maggie Chavira
September 26, 2008
Mary, what a wonderful person and friend I had the privledge to know for several years. So kind and giving and always positive. Mary gave my my first baby shower!! She was a friend like no other! It had been a few years since I had last seen Mary until I was working at Roosevelt about a month ago as the school resource officer. When I saw her she lit up the room as usual with that fantastic smile. We spent most of the day together catching up and exchanging numbers again because she so wanted to see my daughter play softball. Not only did my heart sink when I heard of this tragic loss, but that of my whole family. I as well as my family have many fond memories of Mary we hold dear in our hearts. Mary you will be sorely missed,,you did know my dad well,, now you two can tell your jokes in heaven!! My condolences and heartfelt prayers go to Dinah, Mary's mother, family and many close friends.
Janet Golway
September 26, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mary’s mother, partner and extended family. I had the pleasure of working with Mary at Roosevelt H.S. in the Physical Education program. She was a positive addition to the women’s staff and had a wonderful rapport with her students. We enjoyed team teaching Ballroom Dance, a popular unit with our students. We spoke recently just before the school year started and she caught me up on changes at RHS. Mary was excited about coaching Lacrosse and Cross Country this year and was happy having her mother living with her. We talked about Oregon and made plans for next summer. Throughout our conversation you could hear the laughter and high spirit that was a genuine part of her nature. It is hard to believe that she is no longer with us.
Roxy Dodson
September 25, 2008
I send my love, prayers and support to Dinah, Mary's family and friends. I hadn't known Mary very long, but her warmth made me feel as if we'd known one another for a lifetime. Her smiling face is imprinted in my mind, and I will remember her laughter and the joy she brought to those around her. I will miss you, but never forget you!
Corinne and Roxie
September 25, 2008
Mary, although Roxie and myself only got to know you and Dinah for a short time, your smile lit up a room. We enjoyed our dinners with the two of you. Time is so short, I know you will be watching all your friends and loved ones from heaven.
Samantha Garcia
September 25, 2008
Coach,
I can't believe it and just can't seem to bring myself to realize that you are gone. You were the BEST softball coach I have ever had out of all my years of playing softball. The 2years I played for you at Roosevelt was just amazing and where i have had so many of my best memories at. You always had that beautiful smile on your face and even when I was having hard times or felt down you always seem to pick me up and make me smile. When I was around you, you had this full of life sprirt and energy in you, you could put anyone in a good mood or make them happy. You always were so supportive and never gave up on any of your athletes. You never would let us get down on ourselfs, you would just be right there cheering us on and telling us "you can do I know you can just don't give up cause I'm not". We had so many great times out on the field during practice, at our games, and during our meeting when it would rain really hard and we couldn't go out and practice. So many times we would ask you to make practice longer cause we just loved being out there with you and we had so much fun none of us ever wanted to leave. I never missed a practice or a game even when I was so sick I still got out there. I remember you would tell me Sam sit out or go home and rest but I said no I want to practice. You would say "o sam are you ever gone miss a practice". You always let me go that extra mile when it came to the team because you knew how much I loved playing softball. You let me go out everyday 1hr before practice started to get the field ready; raking it and wetting it down and setting up all the bases and all the equipment up that we were using so that when everyone came out we were ready to go. I remember when we had a like bbq on the field you made hamburger for us and we even had a cake fight at the end. There are so many wonderful memories I have of you. I remeber the last time I saw you at the SaveMart Center you and Dinah were going to one of the girls basketball games I saw you and jumped out of the car while it was still moving. I ran towards you and yelled coach, I remember you turning around and just had a huge smile on your face and I ran up to you and gave you a big hug. I remember you telling me Sam I missed you so much how have you been. We talked for a little bit then we said goodbye and said I'll see you soon call me. I will miss you dearly coach and a part of me has gone with you. Thank you for the many good memories, you will be in a very special in my heart and I will never ever forget about you. I love you coach and may you rest in peace.
Love,
Samantha Garcia -aka- Monkey
R.H.S. Varsity Softball 2001-2003
(Garcia #12)
joy garratt
September 25, 2008
The first thing that came to my mind was that God must have a shortage of angels. She was needed in a better place. But what a smile! I sat with mary on many negative-minded committees, and she still always smiled her way through them with some positive attitude within. What a great person and so much fun to have known.
Joy Garratt, teacher
RHS, Fresno
Nan Battaglia
September 25, 2008
I will miss you Mary. You had an infectious smile and a priceless sense of humor. I knew there was goodness in you due to your love for bulldogs, after all they have faces that only a mother could love just like boxers.
My condolences to Dinah and Mary's Mom and family
Your friend always, Nan
Melanie Fry
September 25, 2008
Hey, Mar...if I know you as well as I do you're probably laughing at all of us for making such a fuss over you. You definitely we're the light of any party. I know we haven't been in touch since I got married, but you were always in my thoughts. We definitely knew how to party with the Pepsi crew. I'll miss you. You've always been a dear friend.
I would also like to extend my condolences to Dina and Mary's family. She will definitely be missed.
JUDIE BROWN
September 25, 2008
I WILL MISS YOU COACH.
MY HEART IS BROKEN.
COACH BROWN
Melanie Spigelmyre
September 25, 2008
My sincere condolences to Dinah, her family and close friends. Mary was an extraordinary person who never new a stranger. I have had the privledge of meeting Mary several years ago through friends and when we gathered together she greeted you as if she knew you forever. Mary was loved by all. Mary loved Holloween her parties were the BOMB. She will sorely missed.
Diane Waite
September 25, 2008
Mary! So genuine and true. You will be sorely missed through and through.
michelle dunn
September 25, 2008
We adored you and thought of you more than you'll ever know. You were a rarity.
Love you,
Daenzer & Michelle
Karen Chavez
September 25, 2008
I want to extend my sincere condolences to Mary's Family, Friends & Dinah. I had the pleasure of working with Mary @Pepsi Cola in the late 80's through the 90's. She did have a smile that lit up a room. I don't recall ever seeing Mary without a smile. There are some people we meet in life that just stand out that we never forget, think of often, even if not in contact with on a regular basis. Mary defines that category. I ran in to her several times since my Pepsi days and she always took the time to stop, say Hi, ask about my job @PG&E & ask about my son, Ryan. It would be an understatement to say how much Mary will be missed. I'm glad she got to do what she loved in Coaching & Teaching after early retirement from Pepsi. I remember her mentioning both as goals. It was a privilege to know Mary. I had mixed emotions when I heard of the accident on the news. Immediately, I was shocked & saddened & later found myself realizing I was one of the fortunate ones to get to know her if even just for a short time. As I said, she had an everlasting affect on people. I hope to join you in the Celebration of her Life on Saturday. Let us try & let her unforgetable smile overide our deep sadness. God Bless,
Meagan Esqueda
September 24, 2008
I will miss you Coach Stephens. You were the best softball ever, but you were more then a softball coach you were a friend. You always put a smile on my face. When i had a bad day then went to softball practice you made it a better day. Coach Stephens was a great women you always had a smile on your face no matter what. I cant believe your gone, but your in a better place now. You'll always be in my heart and prays. Your the number 1 coach in my books. Love you always Pookie
Marissa V. Quesada #6
September 24, 2008
(huh)... : '(...Mrs. Stephens was my freshman softball coach...she used to spend 1 on 1 time with me just trying to show me how to be a better catcher/player all around....I used to just walk up to the window of her office and put my face on it and say "Hi Mrs. Stephens!!!"...and we used to just talk before she had to go to her class...Mrs. Stephens...I'm Gonna miss having those little talks with you, and just trying to make you laugh, thank you for helping me be a better player and encouraging me to finish school and keep up with my school work....We will miss you soooo much....We all Love You
Meagan Esqueda
September 24, 2008
I will miss you coach stephens. You were the best softball coach that I ever had. You were more then a coach to me you were a good friend. I will always remember you and you always be in my heart. You were a great women a great sprit. I cant believe your gone but your in a better place now. I will always love you coach stephens POOKIE
Natalie Villanueva
September 24, 2008
I will always remember Coach Stephens. I met her, her 1st year teaching at Roosevelt. She was my softball coach my senior year. She really made a difference in the athletic program, I know she will be greatly missed by all. Rest In Peace.
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