Mary Rexius dies at 102

Mary Ellen Rexius, a long time Wasco resident, will be remembered as a loving and giving woman who loved life and gave of herself, her time and passion for her hometown, a true and faithful Tiger.

Rexius passed away last week, at the age of 102. In 1947, Rexius, who was teaching in Tennessee, answered an ad in a Memphis newspaper for a teaching position in Wasco,Ca. Soon after, Rexius boarded a train for Wasco. "I will always remember that day, stepping off that train in Wasco. It was the hottest day of the month. I had never felt anything like it."

Despite the heat, Rexius stayed in Wasco and soon became a fixture in local schools and in the community.

Rexius taught at several levels, ending her career teaching at Wasco High for over 13 years.

Mary Ellen stayed active throughout her life, being a member of several clubs and organizations, including the Wasco Woman's Club and the PEO Chapter.

A couple of years ago, Rexius was honored with a birthday celebration on her 100th birthday, receiving a certificate from the Wasco City Council.

In the last couple of years of her life, Rexius was a resident of Carrington House in Shafter, where she enjoyed some good-natured ribbing about her affiliation with its rival town.

[BEGIN ITAL]–Jamie Strewart