MARY ASCENSION LOZANO

Born into a devout Catholic family, Mary Ascension Martinez was the oldest child of Rafael “Ralph” and Nancy Martinez’s three children. Ralph died when Mary was six and she helped her mother with her two younger sisters. At a very young age, Mary was given the nick name of “Chonie,” short for Ascension, and that was how she was known to her family. Nancy married Arthur Rosales and he was a wonderful stepfather to Mary and her two sisters. Mary and Arthur had a great relationship and enjoyed the time they spent together attending and rooting for the Bakersfield College Renegades football team. Mary was instrumental in raising her seven younger siblings, including naming her youngest brother.

Mary was a hardworking, happy child who loved to dance. Her love of dance continued throughout her youth, where she frequently attended dances and never sat out a song.

Mary attended Bakersfield High School where she met the love of her life, Paul Lozano. Paul used to say the only reason he graduated from high school, was to be with Mary. The week after she graduated, she went to work for Pacific Bell, which was commonly referred to as “The Phone Company.” Mary worked for The Phone Company and retired after 33 years of loyal service.

Paul and Mary married on August 28,1954, and had three children, of which she was extremely proud. Paul and Mary worked hard and sacrificed to send all three children to the University of Pacific in Stockton, CA.

In retirement, she walked to St. Philip the Apostle Church to attend daily mass. Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of the family. Mary spent time with her grandchildren, attending their sporting events, and avidly watching her Dodgers and other sporting events. Mary and Paul were season ticket holders to the Bakersfield Dodgers, where she saw many minor league players before they were moved up to the big leagues; her favorite was Mike Piazza!  She frequently reminded us that “Mike kissed her on the cheek!”  Upon Paul’s retirement, they began to travel the world and one of her most cherished moments was that she had the opportunity to be in the presence of Pope John Paul II.

Mary is preceded in death by her father Ralph Martinez, mother Nancy Rosales, stepfather Arthur Rosales, her devoted husband Paul Lozano, sister, Dolores Mota, son-in-law Louie Poire, and grandson Dominic Lozano. Mary is survived by her children David (Robin) Lozano, Patricia Poire, Paul (Tracey) Lozano, grandchildren Joel (Veronika) Lozano, Fallyn (Dan) Perkins, Louie Poire, Paul Lozano II, Michael Lozano, Alexzander Lozano, Paxton Lozano; and great grandchildren Layla Lozano, Blaine Lozano, Brian Lozano, Bryson Lozano, and the arrival of Baby Perkins in July 2023.

Mary was a miracle, that we called the energizer bunny! She had end stage renal failure, and “kept on going” without dialysis, for almost two years! Her doctor’s said she was a miracle and defied all odds. Her battery finally gave out after 88 ½ years! Mary’s deep faith was her guiding force! Chonie is now with Paul dancing, playing cribbage, and explaining why it took her so long to meet him in heaven!

A Rosary will be said for Mary on December 29, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Holy Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Church located at 12300 Reina Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312.  Mary will be laid to rest, alongside her husband Paul of 61 years at Greenlawn Southwest Cemetery.