Maria Elena Pulido passed away early May 15, 2023 shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Maria was born on February 20, 1965 in Michoacan (or Michigan, according to her kindergarten teacher). At the age of 3, she moved to Atwater, California where she spent the rest of her life building a robust community that would come to view her as a constant beacon of support.
Maria dedicated 23 years of her life as a teacher for Merced City Schools – molding the minds of hundreds of students with her signature brand of tough love and unyielding encouragement. The network of educators she influenced and affected is vast as well, ensuring that her mark will be felt for years to come.
Among the countless lives she’s comforted, scolded, and advised, Maria leaves behind her husband Jorge Pulido, her brother Ralph Calderon, her mother Beatriz Calderon, and her son Jorge Alexandro Pulido (don’t you dare call him Jr.). She is preceded in death by her father Rafael Calderon and her brother Oscar Calderon – two angels whom she is undoubtedly regaling with the story about the time she met Donny Osmond.
Her life will be celebrated Friday, May 26th with a rosary at St. Anthony’s Church in Atwater at 9:30am followed by 10:00am mass, and a reception with light lunch at the Atwater Community Center from 11:30am – 3:00pm.
In lieu of sending flowers as condolences, Maria’s family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital in her honor.
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dianagk says
May 23, 2023 at 4:03 pmMaria was a wonderful person, great friend, and an awesome teacher. Her life touched everyone around her. You could always depend on her because you knew “she had your back” in any situation. She was not afraid to speak her mind and her loyalty to those around her was a given! She had a great sense of humor and could make anyone laugh. Maria loved her family and her friends. She will be deeply missed by all. Rest in Peace sweet Maria, you are out of pain and in God’s care now.🙏with