Editor’s note: Second in a series on Madera cancer survivors in anticipation of the local Relay For Life fundraiser.
For as long as anyone could remember, Mary Ann (Chavira) Palacios was an easygoing happy person who had smiles and laughter for all. She enjoyed bowling and carried a 170 average. She loved to hear the clang of metal on metal when she made a ringer tossing horseshoes. She was active in fundraising events for the Elks Lodge to help the less fortunate.
A lifelong Madera resident, she graduated from Madera High School in 1970, and had been a dedicated secretary for the Fresno Police Department for 25 years.
In March of 2008, that wonderful smile left her face. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“When I heard the ‘C’ word I thought it was a death sentence,” said Palacios...