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01/06/2025 - Tranquility, California, USA

Mary Juaquina Armas, 94, of Tranquillity, California, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025 with her family by her side. Mary moved to the Nazareth House in November of 2021 and enjoyed cards games and other activities.

Mary was born to the late Francisco Maria Ayerza and Jeanne Luro Ayerza Sallaberry on October 14, 1930, in Pinedale, California. Mary spent her entire life living in Tranquillity, where she went to Tranquillity Elementary and Tranquillity High School. After graduating from high school in 1948, she attended 4 C's College in Fresno.

Mary married her high school sweetheart, Joseph "Joe" Anthony Armas in December 1949, making their home in Tranquillity. Mary is survived by her two sons, Steve Armas (Robert Gereaux) of San Francisco and David (Cheryl) Armas of Morro Bay. Mary is also survived by her brother Arnold (Harriet) Sallaberry of Washington, MO, four grandchildren, Simone (Oni) Garza, of Mesick, MI, Micah (Whitney) Armas of Visalia, Joseph Armas of Shaver Lake, and James Armas (Melanie O'Brien) of Chico. Mary was blessed with five great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson and several nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe, in December 1993, and brother Frank Ayerza in 2011.

Mary worked for many years at Producer's Cotton Oil as a secretary at the gin during cotton season. She was asked many times to become a Gin Manager. She was an active member of the Fresno Basque Club, and she continued to enjoy her travels even after the passing of her husband. Mary loved to dance. She and her brother Frank could burn up the floor dancing the polka.

Steve and David would like to thank David's wife for caring for Mary in so many ways.

In Mary's own words she wants her sons, Steve and Dave, to think fondly of their mom and dad as once again embarking together on new adventures to parts unknown.

Recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Mass at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Church, 4636 W. Dakota Avenue, Fresno 93722, on February 18, 2025 at 10:00am. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

The family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the American Heart Association, 7425 North Palm Bluffs Avenue, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711, The Fresno Basque Club, P. O. Box 406 Fresno, CA 93706 or Hinds Hospice 2490 West Shaw Ave. Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711.

(published by Fresno Bee, Legacy.com from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9, 2025)

Goian Bego (GB) - May Rest in Peace