Mary Irene Gallardo was born January 15, 1939 in Tehachapi, California to Jennie and Frank Montano. She was raised in Tehachapi and attended the local schools, graduating from Tehachapi High School in 1957. She married Rudy Gallardo in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1964. They resided in Bakersfield, California where they raised their four children. Mary's passion was to help children. She worked for the Bakersfield City School District for more than two decades and over the years worked at McKinley, Roosevelt, Harding, and Nichols elementary schools. She also loved to create. Mary avidly sewed, crocheted, and quilted; typical to her generous personality she often gave her beautiful creations to others. Mary was not only generous with her material possessions; Mary was generous with her time and was always willing to serve whenever she saw the need. She volunteered for several local organizations including the Moose Lodge and the Shriners Hospital and volunteered as a translator for the underprivileged. Mary was an avid parishioner of St. Francis Catholic Church. She surrounded herself with family and friends, and found great joy in spending as much time as possible with her young grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and wonderful husband Rudy Gallardo. She is survived by her children: Martin Gallardo Montoya and Trina with their children Melonee, Courtnee, Lorenzo and Robert; Steven Gallardo and son Conlan; Theresa Gaeta and husband Gary with their children Joshua, Jereme and Jacob Gaeta; Rachel Gallardo; Stepchildren Jim Gallardo and wife Joanne, Rudy Gallardo Jr., Michael Gallardo; Alice Cameron; brother James Montano; sister Irma Cochran; numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many friends and long time acquaintances. Father Craig will officiate Mass of the Resurrection with Rosary at 8:45 am Monday, September 13, 2010 at St. Francis Catholic Church. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary, from 6 to 8pm.