Maria R. Mena

Born To Severo and Maria Rodriguez in Aquila Michoacan, moved to the United States at 15 years old, attended Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, straight after attended College of the Sequoias, she then started a little food stand named torterilla de antojitos Maria, later she got a job at the KQIQ radio station where she would work promotions, and even had her own Radio show Mujer a Mujer where she would accept callers questions about relationships. In 1986 she married Patricio Mena a local Realtor and owner of Studio 45.

1988 they welcomed their first child Pierre Mena, she quit working at the radio station to work as Realtor, she was well known in the Latino community, and would help many families in the purchase of their future homes. In 1996 she gave birth to Bonita Mena, around this time she became very involved in encuentro matrimonial a group that helped couples sort through their problems. In 2001 she gave birth to Giovanni Mena, a few years passed, and the old Studio 45 building was remodeled into Giovanni’s Pizzeria and arcade. She spent a lot of nights at Giovanni’s helping customers, and spending time with family.

She was very involved in the community becoming president of Exchange Club, and SETCO, she was a graduate of Leadership Porterville, she was a member of Zonta, also a very active parishioner at St. Anne’s/ Holy Cross Church, as well as a pretty decent golfer. She was a great woman with a huge heart and is survived by her husband Patricio Mena, her son Pierre, daughter Bonita, son Giovanni, siblings Guadalupe, Agustin, Ricardo, Ramon, Juan, Fermin, Saul, Ana, Josefina, and Edelmira. She will be greatly missed.

To sign Maria’s online register book or leave a message of condolence please visit www. portervillefuneral.com. For additional information contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center: 765 W. Henderson Avenue Porterville, CA 93257.