Mary L. Espinoza

Mary L. Espinoza, 59, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Born in Columbia City, Indiana on July 3, 1966, Mary was the daughter of Donald Ray and Betty Lou (Sexton) Burkett. She graduated from Whitko Jr/Sr High School with the class of 1984.

Mary was currently working for Avalign Cutting Instruments in Warsaw. She was known as a very loving person with a warming smile. She was the type of person that was always there for you, no matter what.

Her family was her whole world. She enjoyed braiding her girl’s hair every night when they were little. All of her girl’s friends she claimed as her own and many kids called her Nana in her later years as well.

Mary was the queen of snacks and always had the biggest snack box ready when her G-babies came over or had a secret stash on her when she visited them. She loved babysitting her granddog and spoiling her. Her grandson Joel used to make fun of Nana for her “hillbilly accent and her finger arthritis” that he diagnosed. She lived for small weekend trips with her family, with the destination being unknown. Mary gave her G-babies many lasting memories of get aways or simple trips to a park to play or go on a hike.

She is survived by her daughters: Kayla (Jonah) Studebaker and Heather Orbeck, both of Pierceton; G-babies: Karmon Espinoza, Hayden Clark, Khloe Studebaker, Joel Studebaker and Natalia Orbeck; sisters, Donna (Robert) Tusing of Mesquite, TX and Annie (Mandy) Espinoza of Pierceton; and nieces and nephews: Tasia Shepherd, Michael Espinoza, Simon Espinoza, Tasia Flora, Sam Alston, Jessica Shepherd, Chris Tusing and Tony Tusing.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jerry Burkett.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 105 S. First Street, Pierceton.

Memorial contributions can be made to Whitko Marching Band, 1 Big Blue Ave, South Whitley, IN 46787 or the K County Kraken Softball (information from kcountykraken@gmail.com).