Obituary of Mary Helen Halford

Mary Helen Halford was born to William Walker and Margaret Sena Carder on July 30, 1938 in
Indianapolis, IN. She passed away on June 2, 2023 in Stockton, CA.
As a child she lived in Indianapolis until she was seven, then traveled cross country to California with
family. She saw many sights, visited with relatives, and swam in the ocean on her journey. When
arriving in Tracy, the car pulling their trailer broke down just outside the Tracy Elks Lodge. Consequently,
her family found a place to camp, she started 3 rd grade at Lammersville School and ended up residing in
Tracy for the better part of her life.
At the age of 13 she met the love of her life, Richard D. Halford, at the SJ County Fair. She said, “ I am
going to marry that man!” And she did, just three years later. Mary became a stay-at-home mom who
cared for her children, and her granddad, “Pop”.
While raising her six children, she finished High School. She also held down many part time jobs such as
working on tomato harvesters, in packing sheds, as an Avon Rep., at Courier Citizens, and at Holly Sugar.
After her children were older, she joined her husband, Richard, in managing their businesses, Engine
Sales & Service, ESSCO Corp., and Johnnies Liquors.
While living in Tracy she volunteered in many public service organizations including: the Central School
PTA, the Girl Scouts of America, the Tracy Pop Warner Football League, the Women of the Moose, and
the Tracy Rainbow Girls.
Her home was always the hub of the neighborhood. Children would gravitate there as it was a loving,
welcoming abode to friends and family alike. Many a family holiday or neighborhood gathering took
place at her house. It is safe to say she was instrumental in helping to raise a number of children that
were not her own. At Mary’s house, you could always find good food, a safe environment, and a
sympathetic ear to listen to your difficulties.
Mary’s favorite activities were singing, dancing, reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and painting. She
had a magnetic caring way that attracted the people to her. Her favorite singers/actors were Dolly
Parton and John Wayne. She also loved westerns.
She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She is preceded in death by her
parents, her husband of 68 years, Richard D Halford, her sisters, Pat Dover and Marjory Brizendine, her
brother Wm “Billy” Carder II, and two grandsons, Thomas Mayers and William Ryder.
She is survived by her sister, Betty Brent, her 6 children: Kathy Moran, Irene Paul (Kenny), Donna Abarca
(Fausto), Karen Coelho, David Halford (Linda), and Larry Halford (Maryann). She also leaves behind 13
grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 3 great, great-grandchildren, numerous step-
children/grandchildren, friends and extended family. We will all miss her.
Mary and Richard spent almost 70 years together, until Richard passed in December of 2022. She missed
him so. Now she is with her true love again, dancing in the stars.
A graveside service will be held in Mary’s honor on June 26, 2023 at Tracy Public Cemetery, 501 W.
Schulte Rd., Tracy, CA 95376. A reception will follow at the Tracy Elks Lodge, 6400 Eleventh St., Tracy, CA
95304

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