In Loving Memory
Mary Elizabeth Borges
October 27, 1924 – April 21, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Borges, age 100, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, at the Ida Emmerson Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born to Frank and Mary Toste at their home on the family ranch in the Arcata bottoms on October 27, 1924. She spent her entire life in Arcata, growing up and later raising her family less than a mile from where she was born.

At the age of 19, Mary married the love of her life, Tony Borges, on October 16, 1943. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Linda, Toni and Ron. After 32 wonderful years of marriage, Tony passed away unexpectedly, leaving Mary widowed at the age of 51. With her trademark strength, grace and positivity, Mary carried on with resilience and enthusiasm.

Mary was blessed with many wonderful friendships throughout her life. Even as she outlived many dear friends, her circle remained strong. Her 100th birthday celebration, attended by more than 200 family members and friends, was a true testament to the love and admiration she inspired. It was a joyful day of remembrance and gratitude.

Growing up during the Great Depression on a dairy farm, Mary and her brothers learned the value of hard work early on. In her father’s eyes, work took precedence over education, and Mary completed school only through the eighth grade before dedicating herself to full-time work on the family ranch.

In her mid-thirties, while raising her young family, Mary pursued further education by attending night classes at Arcata and Eureka High Schools, while Tony cared for their children. Equipped with new skills in accounting, she began working as a clerk and eventually became a bookkeeper — a role she proudly held until her retirement.

Over the years, Mary and Tony enjoyed traveling across the United States and abroad. After Tony’s passing, Mary continued her adventures with close friends, creating memories she would fondly recount even at 100 years old.

A nurturer by nature, Mary loved gardening and cooking for her family and friends — no one ever left her home hungry. She took great pride in her flourishing garden, especially her cherished roses.

Through life’s many trials and triumphs, Mary’s strong faith and love for life always carried her through. Blessed with good health until the very end, she remained active and independent. Although she hired a lawn service for mowing, every weed pulled from her yard was done by her own hands — always! Growing up on a ranch instilled in her a lifelong love of hard work, a quality fondly remembered by all who knew her. Mary Borges was truly an amazing woman.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tony Borges; her parents, Frank and Mary Toste; her brother and sister-in law, Frank Jr. and Emma Toste: her sister-in-law, Sarie Toste

She is survived by her loving children: Linda Day (Kennie), Toni Kolshinski (Jack), and Ron Borges (Kay); her cherished grandchildren: Nate Schultz (Mindy), Justin Kolshinski, Tobin Kolshinski (Amy), Stacie Borges Valdez (Pedro), and Taylor Borges (Ryan); and her treasured great-grandchildren: Kenzie and Kaden Schultz, Kody and Jackson Kolshinski, and Austin, Kindal, and Kamryn Kolshinski, and Beckham Valdez.

Mary is also survived by her brother, Alvin Toste; her nephew, Jim Toste; her niece, Colleen Toste; and her special neighbor and dear friend, Bonnie Souza, with whom she shared daily walks and heartfelt conversations.

A Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on May 5, 2025, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. on May 6, 2025, both at Saint Mary’s Church, 1690 Janes Road, Arcata. A reception will follow: 1 p.m. at Baywood Golf & Country Club.

Mary Borges will be remembered as a woman of incredible strength, boundless warmth, and enduring love. Her beautiful spirit and unwavering kindness will continue to live on in all those who knew and loved her.

Though she may be gone from our sight, her love and lessons will remain in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1690 Janes Road, Arcata, Ca. 95521.