Mary Barrios

Mary Barrios was born October 24, 1939 and ended her journey the 17th of April on a “Good Friday” as she would call it. She was born and raised in San Luis Obispo where she lived most of her days with a short residency in San Francisco in 1970 to 1971 where her husband worked with his brother-in-law Eddy Limon. They were trying to cope with the loss of their son. But feeling homesick they traveled back to San Luis Obispo where they made their home together until her husband passed in 2019. She lived on her own for several years and enjoyed her independence at the house they had made home. Her final 3 years she stayed with her niece and nephew in law in Prunedale, California where she made friends at the firehouse senior center and was a regular at Safeway in Prunedale, where they all addressed her as Tia Mary! She met the love of her life Gilbert Barrios in San Luis Obispo where they had grown up together as teenagers. With a courtship of several year, they married at the Mission San Luis del Tolsa with a large wedding party of family and friends. Her maid of honor being Loretta Limon who stayed in contact throughout her life and had many phone conversations with her up to the end of her days. They were “phone buddies”. Mary and Gilbert were married for 58 years and had a precious son Gibert Barrios Jr on August 18th 1963, he passed away at the age of 6 from cystic fibrosis. This was a very difficult time in their lives, which led to their decision not to have any more children. Yet, she became Godmother to 27 nieces and nephews and was loved and respected by all her family’s children. She loved making fresh tortillas, enchiladas, and cut fresh nopales, which she ate frequently! She said it was the reason she lived a long and healthy life and the doctors were always amazed during her visits, completely believing her. Throughout her life she was always surrounded by beloved pets. She loved and cared for any and all kinds of animals from birds to cats to dogs. So it was no surprise to hear her say if we ever see butterflies it was a sign from her. She found comfort in their presence and was surrounded by loving pets till her last breath. She was very simple and kept many traditions of her family. She spoke often of a childhood filled with lessons of discipline, hard work, simplicity and a loving family which carried over to her adulthood. She worked at Brandin and Rice for several years, a packing shed in San Luis Obispo, where she prided herself on becoming one of the supervisors. They mostly packaged broccoli and to the end of her days could not stand the smell of it cooking. She also helped elderly keep their houses as a side job for her own pocket money, as her husband was her sole provider. She enjoyed helping the elderly and made good friendships with those she worked for. She loved her savior Lord Jesus and had her altar set in her room. She would always pray for her ill family members and for those in need. She prayed to Saint Jude and testified to several miracles attributed to his intercession. She is preceded in death by her mother Blasa Rodriguez Limon and her father Antonio B Limon her four brothers Tony, Eddie, Joe, Angelo and oldest sister Carmen, her husband Gilbert Barrios, and son Gilbert Barrios Jr. She is survived by her youngest and dear sister Aurora Barry and loving sister in law Laurie Limon, her sister and brother in law Charles and Rita Walker and her brother in law Robert Barrios whom after his brother died vowed to support Mary and would call her everyday morning and night which she would look forward to. She will be laid to rest with her loving husband and close to her son at the Old Mission Cemetery. The most amazing part about Tia Mary was her strength and independence. After being diagnosed with cancer she refused treatment and said if this is God’s will then this is how it will be. Then she never addressed her diagnosis again. When asked by nurses from hospice about her diagnosis she never complained and in her own words would said “Oh I’m fine, that thing, I know what the dr said.” She just blew it off like it was nothing and never dwelled on it. She passed peacefully at rest while talking to her loved ones, who were waiting on the other side. Service will be held at 10:00 am at Reis Family Mortuary 991 Nipomo street San Luis Obispo Ca. Followed by an Inurnement at Old mission cemetery 101 bridge street San Luis Obispo

Mary Barrios

October 24, 1939 - April 17, 2026