GONZALEZ, Mary (Blanca)

Mary Helen “Blanca” Gonzalez, 68, passed away May 28, 2009, at her home in Mammoth. She was born April 11, 1941 in Superior, to Anastacio and Angelita Vargas. A fork lift operator, she worked 27 years for Magma Copper Company; she had the distinction of being the first woman with Magma to operate equipment. A loving wife and mother, she was a wonderful cook and enjoyed time with her family and friends, playing Bingo. Mary is survived by her husband Jose B. “Pepe” Gonzalez of Mammoth; four daughters, Esmeralda (Jesus) Gonzalez, Irma Gonzalez, and Gloria (Omar) Gonzalez, all three of Mammoth and Angelita “Sweetie” (Jesus) Martinez of Tucson; three sons, Patrick Martinez of Tucson, Rene Gonzalez, and Frank (Nicole) Gonzalez of Mammoth; two sisters, Rosie (Fred) Molina of Mammoth; Lily Gallegos of Sacramento, CA; two brothers, Israel “Jimmy” Vargas of Tucson and Louie (Dolores) Vargas of Mammoth; 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Danny Vargas, sisters Dolores Hehn and Josephine “Chata” Juvera, and grandchildren Oscar Gonzalez and Moises Gonzalez. A Visitation and Funeral Services were held Sunday afternoon, May 31, at Griffith Mortuary in Kearny.