It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mamacita, Mary Ellen Nava. She was born in Queretaro, Mexico on August 18, 1937 and passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025.

She came to Carpinteria at the age of 8 years old, with her parents, Marta and Pablo Hernandez. She attended local schools in Carpinteria. As a young lady, she was employed at Woolworth's Department Store and it was while working here she meet the love of her life, Alfonso "Sonny" Nava. Further employment included Milpas Rexall Pharmacy and after raising her children, she worked at DMV until her retirement. Her most treasured job was helping to raise her beloved grandsons, Richard and Isaac.
Mary Ellen had a strong belief in her Catholic faith and was very much involved with St. Joseph's Church in Carpinteria. For many years, she served as a Eucharist Minister and Religious Education Catechist. She was active in several church sponsored organizations, including the RICA program, Los Guadalupanos and Chapel Court. In addition, she loved being a part of the annual St. Joseph's Festival. Sonny and Mary Ellen were married for 39 years and together they raised their children, Eddie, Gerri and Felicia. Together, they enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and taking their children to Disneyland. Mary Ellen enjoyed traveling that later in life took her to the Holy Land, Egypt, London, Spain, Paris and Rome. Mary Ellen also enjoyed being a member of the Santa Barbara Puerto Vallarta Sister City. When she was able to, she enjoyed attending her Tuesday and Thursday lunch dates with "the girls". Mary Ellen is survived by her son Eddie Nava, daughters Gerri Cota and Felicia Huerta, son-in-law Ezequiel Huerta and grandson Isaac Huerta. She is preceded in death by her hubby Alfonso "Sonny", her parents Marta and Pablo Hernandez and in-laws Gilbert and Edna Nava, sister-in-law Linda Reyes, grandson Richard Munoz-Nava and lastly her beloved chihuahua Chloe.

Rosary will take place at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 and funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on Thursday, February 6th, 2025; both services will be held at St. Joseph's Church, in Carpinteria, followed by graveside service at Carpinteria Cemetery.