Mary Vicenta Ludena

January 22, 1939 - May 24, 2018

Mary Vicenta Ludena, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 24, 2018 in Bellingham, WA. She was born to Louis and Alta Gracia Moreno in Ontario, California on January 22, 1939 and made Southern California her home until her move to Bellingham, WA in 2013. Mary grew up in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The family lived in Tagus Ranch, a few miles north of Tulare surrounded by rich pasture land and pristine air. At an early age, Mary was taught to pray the rosary each day with her family. She was a very driven student receiving good marks and enjoyed school. Some of her fondest memories during that time was being ‘teacher helper.’ After graduating from Tulare High School in 1957, Mary’s interest was in the business field and was eager to make a life in the Los Angeles area. After moving to Los Angeles, Mary was employed at Kave, Brittan and Roesser Insurance Agency from 1964-67. She later worked for the Internal Revenue Service. Introduced by a mutual friend, she met and fell in love with Anthony Ludena. They married on December 16, 1965. This union was blessed with 3 children. As a single Mom in the late 70’s, Mary became a Realtor with Century 21 in Los Angeles and later was hired to sell commercial property with H. Bruce Hanes, Inc. in San Marino. She excelled in this male dominated field as one of the top sellers in her company. Her fortitude was remarkable. Mary was a devoted Mother and loving friend. She instilled the value of education in her children. Some of her interests included reading, drawing, going to live theater productions, historic home & garden tours and spending quality time visiting with family and friends. Mary came from a large family of Mexican heritage. She is survived by brothers Louis and Robert and sisters Ramona, Angie and Sarah. Each year, they would get together to make tamales. She especially enjoyed foods that her Mother cooked and often spoke fondly of having her Enchiladas, Albondigas soup and desserts such as Capirotada and Flan. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children Angela (Tracy), Suzanne (Mark) and Anthony, and grandchildren Matthew, Jacob, Gabrielle and Chasen. A Catholic Mass will be held in Yorba Linda, CA on June 11. The family would like to thank the Nurses and staff at North Cascades Health and Rehabilitation for the loving care provided to Mary and the entire family. Rest in peace Mommy. You will be forever in our hearts.