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M. J. (Mary Jean) Meyer M. J. (Mary Jean) Meyer passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family members during hospice care on September 21, 2024, at the age of 80, in Palm Desert, California. Born on September 19, 1944, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. M. J. was a cherished member of the Palm Desert community and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. M. J. is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Arlan Lee Meyer, and her children Daniel Joseph Alvarado and his spouse Rebecca of Mesa, Arizona: Michael Sylvester Alvarado of Tempe, Arizona: and Yvette Denise Alvarado of Scottsdale, Arizona. She was a proud grandmother to Jessica Alvarado Castillo and her spouse Lupe of Carlsbad, New Mexico: Gabriella "Gabby" Alvarado of Tempe, Arizona: and Jaclyn "Jackii" Alvarado of Chicago, Illinois. M. J. also leaves behind her great-grandchildren Cami, Cali, and Cylan. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Cecilio Ci de Baca and Sofia Sanchez C. de Baca: parents Candelario and Crusita (Herrera) Gutierrez along with several other family members. An alumna of Chino Community High School, M. J. went on to become a beloved figure in her professional community. She was the owner of Senor Sonny's Mexican Restaurant in Kingman, Arizona, before relocating to California where she held various receptionist and secretarial positions. She retired from her position at Howard Cattle Elementary School within the Chino Unified School District where she was a valued member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CALPERS). M.J. was an avid tennis player at the Upland Tennis Club before taking up golf and a membership at Palm Desert Resort Country Club. Her passion for travel saw her exploring the Western United States in their 32-foot motor home for several years, often accompanied by family and friends. Over the years she had four dogs (Isaac, Nikki, Andre and Charlie) she loved and cared for deeply. A wonderful cook, she loved hosting gatherings and entertaining guests with new menus, although she was not fond of baking. Her hobbies included brisk walks in her community, playing Bunco, reading, assembling picture puzzles, crossword puzzles and solving crypto quotes. M. J.'s life was marked by her dedication to her family and her zest for life. Her presence will be profoundly missed along with her beautiful and infectious smile!

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Mary Jean Meyer

September 19, 1944 - September 21, 2024