Mary Stathis Haldorsen

Mary Stathis Haldorsen, a devoted Catholic, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025 surrounded by her loving family following a prolonged illness.
Mary, affectionately known as "Mia," was born on June 21, 1958 to Lt. Col. Nicholas (Nick) and Carol Stathis in Denver, Colorado. Mia had a blessed childhood, surrounded by 5 sisters – Sue, Linda, Roberta, Nikki, and Jan – and 2 brothers – Chris and Alex. Through Nick's military service, Mia traveled the world with the Stathis family – from Wiesbaden, Germany, where Mia was voted the prettiest girl in town, to San Bernardino, California, where the family eventually settled.
Mia graduated in 1976 from San Gorgonio High School, where she was a formidable speech and debate competitor. She continued her formal education at Cal State University, San Bernardino and graduated in 1980. After college, Mia was a counselor for troubled youths in the San Bernardino County Juvenile Court System.
Mia met her husband of 42 years, Thomas (Tom) Haldorsen on a blind date at Marie Callendar's restaurant in 1981. Mia and Tom married at St. Adelaide's Catholic Church in 1983. Soon after marrying, they decided to start their family, which became Mia's focus and ultimate legacy.
She poured her heart and soul into raising her three children – Tommy (40), Katie (37), and Stephanie (31). Every year, she was their room mom, team mom, PTA president, Sunday school teacher, homework helper, school project advisor, scheduler, grocer, cook, and taxi driver. Most importantly, she was their biggest advocate, strongest encourager, and best friend. Among her children and their friends, Mia was renowned for her fully stocked drink fridge and hot meals on the table. She welcomed and cared for all who crossed paths with her.
Mia had a competitive spirit (and was a fierce Scattergories player) and fostered this competitiveness in her children. She encouraged them to strive to be their best and to never be content with "good enough."
As her kids grew up, moved on (to the University of Notre Dame, Harvard Law School, UCLA, Chapman Law School, and the University of Redlands), and got married, Mia was blessed to graduate from mother to grandmother. She was the proud "Grandma" to Molly Haldorsen (13), Tommy Haldorsen (11), Jimmy Haldorsen (8), Brady Adams (5), and Dana Adams (4). Before her passing, Mia learned her youngest daughter, Stephanie, is expecting grandchild number six (to be named Caroline Mia Fenton) in February 2026.
Mia was instrumental in helping raise this next generation with the hallmark care and same virtues with which she raised her own children. She eagerly spent day after day, and night after night doting on her grandchildren – showering them with her time, energy, and love.
When she wasn't with her family, you could find Mia exercising, cooking, reading, playing Sudoku or Solitaire, or watching the latest situational comedy or masterpiece mystery. She was a connoisseur of good food – such as submarine sandwiches from Mario's, pizza from Roberto's or Romano's, and burritos from Rosa Maria's.
Mia was the definition of selfless, Christian love. She followed His example and cared for others more than she ever did for herself. While she was called home to God far too soon, all who knew her will find comfort that she is no longer suffering. We will miss her dearly, but we will carry her example with us until we meet again – when we know that she will be the first person waiting for us at the gates of heaven.
Mia is survived by her husband, Tom, her three children, Thomas (Melissa) Haldorsen, Katharine (Andrew) Adams, and Stephanie (John) Fenton, and her five (almost six) grandchildren.