Mary was born in Durnago, Mexico, although there is much debate about her birthplace. Some say she was born in a ranch called San Jose de La Boca, which is a ranch near Tepejuanes, Durango.  She was born around 1910 and was brought to California as a small child along with three other sisters. Some say it was when her father and brothers were killed in the Mexican Revolution. Others say they died from the flu pandemic of 1918.  One sister, Lucina, married and stayed back in Durano, eventually settling in Chihuahua, Chihuahua.

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Mary eventually marrie