Mary Nellie Escalante was born November 16, 1952 in Tulare, CA, to parents Delfina (Gomez) and Julian Prado. Mary attended local schools and graduated from Shafter High in 1971 before attending Bakersfield College to further her skills in education. She worked for over 25 years with the Wasco and Shafter Head Start programs through the Community Action Partnership of Kern. Mary was a nurturing woman, who always enjoyed the ability to show love and generosity to the children in her life. She was an amazing mother figure, not only to her own children and siblings, but to many of the kids in her life. Mary never hesitated to assist in the responsibility of raising those children in her family who, for whatever reason, were unable to be with their parents, and she never asked for anything in return. She was a giver, and a loving figure of our family. Mary enjoyed going out to the movies, and also going out to eat, especially at Denny's. Her family was most important in her life; she was even close with a number of those in her extended family. Spending time with relatives was what truly made Mary happiest. Mary is survived by her children, Theresa and husband Federico Hurtado, Andrea Escalante, and Julian Prado III; her sisters, Julia and husband Larry Hart, Angie and husband Rafael Gutierrez, and Alicia and husband Javier Tirado; her former husband, who she still remained close with, Eddie Escalante; her grandchildren, Janessa, Lysette, Julisa "Squinky," Federico Jr. and Diego; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Delfina Prado; and her siblings, Josephine Sotelo, Delia Prado and Julian Prado Jr. Visitation for Mary was held at Peters Funeral Home on Sunday, April 22, 2012 from 2-8pm with Recitation of the Holy Rosary held at 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Therese's Catholic Church, on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 10am. Monsignor Stephen Frost of Christ the King Catholic Church officiated the service and interment followed at Shafter Memorial Park.