Mary Sosa Olvera

Mary Sosa Olvera, passed away on Dec 22, 2022 in Hanford, CA at 87 years old.

She was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico on Aug. 21, 1935, daughter to the late Modesto Romero and Luciana Sosa.

Around 1940, her family moved to Dinuba CA, settling in a home on Kamm Ave.

Mary attended Dinuba High School, where her favorite subject was English. She graduated in 1954.

She met her husband Frank Olvera in Reedley, CA where later they got married and had 4 children.

Mary was very involved with her children in sports and school.

She later decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and was noted the first Hispanic woman to become a police officer in Dinuba, CA.

During her career in law enforcement, she got involved in politics as she ran for city council and was Vice Mayor.

Mary also was recognized for all her accomplishments for her work with the city from the groundbreaking of Rose Ann Vuich Park, to being actively involved with the Catholic Church, to political campaigning.

She was recognized and awarded as Tulare County Hispanic Woman of the year.

She is survived by her sisters Nadine, Lily, her brothers Hector and Waldo. Her four children; James Olvera, Anita Olvera, Katherine Olvera Bergren and Mark Olvera, along with her 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Rosary, Mass and burial services will be Jan 18th in Dinuba, CA, followed by a Celebration of Life.

Our hero

You held our hand when we were small

You catches us when we fell

You are our hero of our childhood

And later years as well

And every time we think of you

Our hearts still fill with pride

Though we will always miss you

We know your by our side

In laughter and in sorrow

In sunshine and in rain

We know your watching over us

Until we meet again