Mary Strawbridge was born near McDermitt to John and Dolores Muguira. Dolores was disabled when Mary was only two, and she was fortunate to be taken in by the Bengochea family in Winnemucca. She was the youngest child in the household, and grew up loving the family as her own. Mary attended school in Winnemucca, graduating from high school there. She became a telephone operator, where lifelong friendships with co-workers Fran, Mabel, Helene, and Fern began. In 1949, she met George Strawbridge, the love of her life, and they were married about a year later.
Son Harry was born, and they headed to Beaumont, Calif., where George designed and built a home for her with his own hands. Five years later, daughter Marcia was born. Mary was the perfect Mom, always loving, nurturing, helpful in every way, and consistently thinking of her family first. During this time, George was very busy as VP of a large construction company, and Mary managed the household.
Eventually, George grew weary of the construction business, and they bought Merced Plymouth, moving to nearby Atwater in 1966. Mary became manager of Atwater Finance Company, but after a few years George sold the Plymouth franchise, going into the used car business in Atwater. Mary left the finance company to help. They operated Econ-O-Cars for the next thirty-two years. Mary took an active part in the business. She was an unbelievable whirlwind of energy for all of those years, and the business could never have succeeded without her.
Mary was thrilled with the birth of Marcia’s children, Chelsey and Coleby, and never missed a chance to spend time with them as they grew up, showering them with her love and attention, savoring her role as their “Amuma”. They returned her affection and were a big part of her life, always in her thoughts and prayers.
George and Mary retired to the family home in 2004. On her daily walks, Mary met dear friends and walking companions Kitty Lynn and Judy Harrison. Mary faced cancer and won in 2008, bouncing back faster than anyone expected. George passed away in 2009, closing a long and cherished chapter in Mary’s life.
Mary continued to do the things she loved, reading, visiting with family and friends, playing her Hammond organ, working in her yard, and decorating her house. She walked daily, and especially enjoyed luncheons with Kitty and Judy.
After a short hospital stay, Mary passed away peacefully on May 19 with her children by her side. Her sweet smile, warmth and generosity will be missed by all who knew her.
Mary is survived by her son Harry Strawbridge (Jennifer), daughter Marcia Strawbridge Jerner (Brent), Carlin Horger (Bill) and family, grandchildren Chelsey and Coleby Jerner, brother Cleto Muguira, sister Emelia Alcorta, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
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