Mary Louise Salmón

It is with profound sadness that we, Mary’s children, announce her passing at her home, as she wished. Mom, affectionately called “Tita”, took great pride in the fact that her grandfather was 100% Yaqui Indian. She attributed that Yaqui blood to her longevity.

Mom was a San Diego native, the fourth of nine children born to Luisa and Jose Garcia. She attended Washington Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High and San Diego High.

Being the fourth child, she helped raise her younger siblings and maintain the household. It was not uncommon for her to hang the wash early before school and take it down after school. But one day, at the age of 14, she met 18-year-old Richard Salmon. Although she viewed him as a friend, he must have known she was the one for him. The next morning, he was at her door to walk her to school and did so every day from then on. They married in 1947, after Richard’s service in the Navy. Their first home was a little house behind her in-laws, Maria Juana and Tarquino Salmon. They moved one more time before purchasing their first home on Julian Ave. They purchased their final home on Alamo Dr., where Mom lived by herself for the past 16 years after Dad died.

She was the quintessential mom – she woke us every morning, sat us down for breakfast, sent us off to school with clean faces, combed hair, brushed teeth, clean clothes and packed lunches. She was the one we came home to for a snack, homework help, dinner, homemade desserts and our nightly ritual of getting ready for bed. She sewed our childhood clothes and later, our prom and wedding dresses.

As if she didn't have enough to do, Mom decided to get a job. She found her niche at the Town and Country Hotel, first as a maid, then Housekeeping Supervisor and finally as a bookkeeper. Her career lasted for 25 years, retiring to care for Dad as his health declined.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Ralph, Amelia, Dionicio, Daniel, Alice and Carmela, and the Salmon family of her generation. She is survived by her siblings Roy and Antoinetta, her only cousin, Victor, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving children, Marcella “Marcy” and Antonio “Tony” Aldana, Richard and Maureen, Marie (William deceased 2014), and Michele and Stevan Gonzales. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Gus (Lynn), Michael (Laura), Megan (Aaron), Kendall, Vanessa (Ryan), Emily, and Renee, and her great-grandchildren, Joscelyn, Xavier and Matthew. Mom’s cat, Mr. Poopie, will miss her also.

Rest in Peace, Mom. Hug and kiss your much-loved and missed Mom and Dad, and dance endlessly with our Dad, the love of your life. Until we see you again.

Closed casket Visitation at 5pm, Monday, April 7th, with Rosary at 6:30pm at Featheringill Mortuary. Funeral Mass at 11am, Tuesday, April 8th, at Holy Cross Mausoleum. Entombment at 11:45. Reception announcement after Mass.

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