It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of my beautiful and brave Mom, Lupe Martinez. She was born on March 12, 1943 in Chihuahua, Mexico to Martin and Amelia Quintana. She passed away on 02/22/22 surrounded by her loving family at home, after a lengthy and valiant battle with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Lupe came to the US with her Dad (Martin Quintana), Mom (Amelia Quintana), and loving Brother (Joe Quintana) when she was 2 or 3 years old, residing in Roswell, New Mexico. Following agriculture for work, they made their way from New Mexico to California, eventually landing in Gilroy. Late in her teen years, Lupe began work at Gentry's Foods. There she would meet and fall head over heels for the love of her life, Crescencio (Clarence) Martinez who began work at Gentry's Foods after finishing his enlistment with the US Army. Lupe, working on the line that processed onions, saw Clarence and got his attention by playfully throwing onions at him. This flirtatious act started a love connection that would last them a lifetime!

On a beautiful day in September, 1962 Clarence and Lupe were married at the justice of peace in Hollister, Ca. After having two kids and growing out of their little ranch house, they purchased their first home, also in Gilroy, in which they would live for the rest of her life.

Lupe loved and adored all children. She became a teacher's aide in the late 70s and absolutely loved her job! In the 80s, she continued her care for children by opening her own daycare in the garage of her home. Lupe closed her daycare in order to care for her Mom (Amelia) when she became ill. She took care of her Mom full time until she passed away years later in 1997.

Lupe lived life to the fullest! She was proud to become a US citizen in 1996. She loved dancing and hosting parties with family and friends. And sure loved her cold Budweisers! She loved to bake and cook and was known for the best homemade flour tortillas in town! Lupe loved sports! She was a faithful 49er fan, loved Warriors basketball, Women's Stanford Basketball, as well as Serena Williams. But she was the biggest fan of all her children's and grandchildren's football, baseball and softball games! You could hear her cheering loudly from far away!

Lupe is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Clarence Martinez; daughter Anna Pausanos (James), son Cres Martinez (Michele) and youngest daughter Caroline Martinez (Rebecca). Her loving Brother Joe Quintana (Lazara) and half Sister Coy Quintero. Her grandchildren Carissa Tabberer (Dylan), Christopher Martinez (Megan), Joshua Pausanos, Kaitlyn Martinez, Samantha Rodriguez (Mauricio), Savannah Silacci, and Courtney Gonzales. And she absolutely adored and loved to spend time with her great grandchildren Ariana and Damian Rodriguez. She was also blessed with many nephews and nieces who loved her dearly and many great friends who gave her the best memories of a lifetime.

Lupe was preceded in death by her half-sister Mela DeLaRosa.

Services will be held on Monday February 28 at St Mary's Church in Gilroy. Viewing at 9am, Mass at 10am and burial to follow. The reception will be at 12:30 pm at Old City Hall.

If you would like to donate in Lupe's name, please do so to Stanford Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, where they continue the fight against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Donations can be made online at

https://med.stanford.edu/neurology.html (donation link located under "Support Us")

Or by mail to:

Development Services
Stanford Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences
P.O. Box 20466
Stanford, CA 94309