Frances Padilla-Lugo, born in Madera, CA, passed away after a lengthy illness, dying peacefully in the loving arms of her family. She was a most loving and compassionate mother, grandmother, and sister.

She lived in Gilroy from the age of 6 and attended Gilroy schools, was married to Manuel Lugo, and is survived by her son, Joseph Lugo, daughter, Imelda Jessie Lugo, grand children, Morgan Lugo, and Ashley Schofield, sister Ida Padilla-Velasquez (Jess), Eliseo Padilla (Lily, Joseph Serrato (Pat), Margaret Serrato-Gutierrez (Albert) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Julian Padilla, mother, Salome Padilla Serrato, her step-father Hilario Serrato, her sister, Jessie Padilla-Villa (Raul), brother Fred Padilla (Adeline) sister Connie Padilla-Reyes (Richard), brother Manuel Padilla (Mary).

Frances vocations included ownership of a beauty consulting firm, and later with her husband, a restaurant in Gilroy, El Rancho Mexicano, which many Hollywood stars would stop at to dine as they passed through Gilroy on the old 101 now Monterey Road, and Best Auto Parts in San Jose. She attended nursing school at the original Wheeler Hospital and was a private healthcare provider in the later part of her life until she retired.

Frances was involved with the Club Guadalupana at St. Mary's Church in the 60's and became involved in Chicano politics with Club Circulo Social Mexicano giving voice to civil rights issues for Hispanics and the Listening Post suicide hotline in the early 70's. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and her wonderful cooking.

Funeral service Wednesday, January 22, at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 4th Street, Gilroy, viewing from 8 AM – 9:30 AM with Funeral Mass at 10 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 11 First Street, Gilroy, CA.