Essie Mae Tucker

Essie Mae Tucker, of Madera, California, passed on March 12, 2025, in the comfort of her home. Born on January 16, 1935, in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, she and her family made their way to California, settling in Caruthers at the age of 12. She graduated from Caruthers High School, and on June 28, 1952, she married the love of her life, Leeroy Tucker.
Mae held a number of occupations, but her longest-tenured position was as the Administrative Assistant at La Vina Elementary School, where she retired after 37 years of service. Mae was also involved in her community, and was active in the Alpha 4-H Club, leading the breads and cooking group. She also served as a member of the Young Homemakers where she led the Madera Chapter to the State Championship as President. She and Leeroy enjoyed attending Elks Lodge functions and dancing on Saturday nights at the Rainbow Ballroom.
As the matriarch of her family, she was a loving partner to her husband, and the biggest supporter of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Fondly called Gigi, Mae had a true servant's heart. While her career and extracurricular activities were important to her, Maes true calling and most treasured time was spent as a homemaker, ensuring that her door and kitchen were open to all.
She was a phenomenal cook and loved hosting family and friends at her table, pouring her soul and love into the dishes she created. Some of her favorite hobbies included gardening alongside Papa Leeroy, canning fresh vegetables, making jams and jellies, baking pumpkin pies and sugar cookies, and whipping up a big batch of her famous potato salad. You never left Gigis house hungry, nor was your heart empty because of her compassion and kindness.
Mae is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Jennie Condit, and her husband of over 72 years, Leeroy, who passed nearly one month before her. She is survived by her brother, Darrell Condit (Yvonne), her children Judith Shaubach and Kenneth Tucker (Desiree), her 5 grandchildren Shelby Davidson (Thomas), Bailey Wallace (Aaron), Shane Shaubach (Mallory), Stetson Tucker (Gabby), Colton Tucker, her 7 great-grandchildren Parker and Bryce Davidson, Paisley, Beau, and Tucker Wallace, Kinslee Shaubach, and baby Tucker on the way, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly.
Maes family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to all of her caregivers; Delphina Hernandez, Sally and Patricia Castro, Star Avila, Alex Ann Guerrero, Shannon Rush, Ariel Camacho, Heather Thompson, Francisca Gante Cornejo, Walkiria Medrano Diaz, Maria Arias, and Mariaelena Ruiz. Gigi and Papas right-hand gardener and handyman, Zenen Avila, was a great blessing, keeping everything in order and Gigis flowers thriving. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of the Valley.
A viewing will be held March 26, 2025, from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Jays Chapel and the burial service will be held March 27, 2025, at 11:00am at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA. The family also welcomes you to a memorial service and celebration of life reception for Mae and Leeroy, to be held on April 12th at the San Joaquin Winery in Madera, CA from 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
Although Gigi had a tremendous love of fresh flowers, she would be most honored with a donation to your favorite charity in her memory.
We will forever cherish the love, lessons, and memories shared with our Gigi, and find comfort knowing she left her mark on this world, most importantly on our hearts, and she is in the loving arms of her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Services
Viewing
Wednesday
March 26, 2025
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Jay Chapel
1121 Roberts Ave
Madera, CA 93637
Graveside Service
Thursday
March 27, 2025
11:00 AM
San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery
32053 W. McCabe Road
Santa Nella, CA 95322
Cemetery
San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery
32053 W. McCabe Road
Santa Nella, CA 95322 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Essie, please visit our Tree Store.