Tributes

Mary E. Garrida was born in the hills above Milpitas, CA. on January 28, 1913 to Anthony S. Freitas and Isabel M. Freitas. She passed away at home on October 9, 2011 at the age of 98. Mary was the oldest of eight sisters. She was fond of telling the story of riding a horse to school when she was seven years old. When her sisters started school she had to take the horse and buggy. She felt that was boring and enjoyed horseback riding much more. She married Almon Dunbar Johnson and they began a family that consisted of a daughter and two sons. They moved to the central valley of California where they purchased a chicken ranch in Turlock. Mary was a very hard working and talented woman. She enjoyed gardening, her doll collection, and sewing. She won 1st prize for her quilts at the Stanislaus County Fair. Being the oldest of eight girls it was her job to remake the older girls clothing to fit the next in line. Although she was self taught there was noting that made her happier than a project with a challenge. After the death of her first husband in 1958 she managed to run the chicken ranch alone. Three years later she married Harry S. Garrida. They were married for 32 years and loved to travel to Hawaii, enjoyed antique autos, as well as family and friends. Mary was predeceased by both husbands, her parents, and six of her sisters. She has left a wonderful legacy for her daughter Lillian Ritchey (Don) of Modesto, son Robert Johnson of Turlock, and Richard Johnson (Terri) of Patterson. There are also six Grandchildren, Patrick Genseal USAF (Peggy), Michael Genseal (Rhonda), Jamie Johnson (Laurie), Tim Johnson, Lorian Johnson, & Sheri Johnson. Great grandchildren are Christopher Genseal, Jennifer Genseal and Kimberly Genseal. Mary was always proud to tell people her age and even happier when they didn’t believe she could be that old. When she renewed her driver’s license last time it didn’t expire until she was 101. She stated that she didn’t think her car would last that long so decided to just buy a new one. No one was more surprised than the salesman when he looked at her ID and found that she was 93!!! We will all miss this wonderful lady, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother and friend. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed reminiscing and telling the many stories of her experiences in life.

Tributes

Mary Ellen Garrida

January 28, 1913 - October 9, 2011