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Guadalupe Saavedra Obituary

Guadalupe E. Saavedra Our beloved, courageous "Lupe" E. Saavedra, 42, a resident of Scottsdale, Ariz., passed away on Sept. 24, 2006, at the University Medical Center in Tucson. Lupe heroically fought leukemia for six years and died of complications while undergoing chemotherapy. Lupe was a secretary and former senior water quality inspector for the City of Phoenix. She was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, and immigrated with her family to the United States at three months old. She was a graduate of Coronado High School. She received an associate's degree from Mesa Community College and bachelor's degrees in chemistry and Spanish from Northern Arizona University. Lupe's battle with leukemia inspired a campaign to register Hispanics as bone marrow donors and led to thousands of new registrations. She met her illness with class, strength and a smile. Lupe is survived by her son, Antonio Burian; companion, Mark Burian; mother, Cecilia Saavedra; sister, Maura Saavedra; Antonio's grandfather, Rudolph Burian; and dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceeded in death by her father, Mateo Saavedra; and brother, Antonio Saavedra. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. with visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Daniel's Catholic Church, 1030 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. Contributions may be made to the National Marrow Donor Program, 5757 N. Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix, AZ, 85015; or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 3877 N. Seventh St., #300, Phoenix, AZ, 85014.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Sep. 27, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Guadalupe Saavedra

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Judi Buterbaugh

October 25, 2006

I've been best friends with Maura since the 5th grade and with that came a wonderful friendship with her sister Lupe. My memories of her are all very special, but some of the most precious time was when I was privileged to be her caregiver after her bone marrow transplant. Lupe and I spent two weeks together in Tucson while she was recovering. We talked about everything from family, friends, work, life, etc. She helped me make a beautiful wreath for my mom.

Lupe was a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart. God has a precious new angel on his team!

Lisa Buterbaugh (Carter)

October 24, 2006

I met Lupe on my very first day of school in 3rd grade at Yavapai. We had just moved to the area, and when my teacher couldn't find my name on the attendance sheet, I started to cry. Lupe reached over and took my hand and told me not to cry; she was my best-friend from that day forward. She truly was the warmest, kindest, most optimistic person I ever knew. Her smile would light up a room. She will be missed dearly by all. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her and miss her terribly; I will cherish her memory always.

Lori Jordan

October 24, 2006

I had the honor of being one of Lupe's best friends from the third grade until the day the Lord took her to be with him. She has been my greatest inspiration these past 6 years and will continue to be for as long as I live. Lupe touched so many lives just by being her kind, caring self. We will miss her terribly, but will cherish the wonderful memories we have. She truly had the biggest, most beautiful smile and was the most courageous person I've ever known. I thank God for bringing Lupe's friendship into my life. She truly was a gift from God and an inspiration to all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Lori (Buterbaugh) Jordan
Coronado High School
Class of '83

Javier Ramirez

October 23, 2006

I was encouraged by Lupe and Maura to voulunteer to be a Bone Marrow Donor. Early this year I donated bone marrow to an individual I never met. The recipient is still alive and doing well. I never would have made this donation if it wasnt for Lupe. In my heart she is responsible for giving this individual additional time his loved ones, because I would have never done it with out her encouragement. God has blessed us with her pressence in so many ways, this was only one.

Charlene Fernandez

October 10, 2006

Maura: I am so sorry about your beloved sister. You were so wonderful and supportive to her. I know that you are so very sad right now but please know that you are an inspiration. Love your mom, love your nephew and most of all love yourself.
Charlene

Ivonne Perez

October 10, 2006

Saying I am so sorry seems so inadequate. Lupe was strong fighter. The courage Lupe displayed during her illness was a testiment to the dedication she had for her family and friends. My heart and prayers are with all her loved ones during this difficult time.

Virginia Widing

October 9, 2006

Cecilia, I am so sorry to hear about Lupita. Bob and I were out of the country until yesterday and I just found out today, Monday, Oct. 9. May the Lord give you, Maurita and Antonio the strength to get through this difficult time. You are in our prayers. Love, Virginia (Rojas) Widing

Pamela Smith

October 5, 2006

My deepest condolences to the Saavedra Family. My sister and I lived a few houses down from Maurita and Lupe. We had such fun as little girls. Although I have not seen Lupe in many years I know she will be dearly missed.

Avila

September 30, 2006

May God bless all of Lupe's family.
We met Lupe through SOCCER.
She was an inspiration to all her PIRAHNAS soccer families. Her smile,courage, enthusiasm,and
cheerfulness will be part of our
memories of Lupe.
She is now with Our Lord and
looking down at all of us and
Antonio has his own personal
Angel in Heaven.

The Avila Family
Pirahnas Soccer Team

Amanda Salazar

September 28, 2006

We met Lupita about 18 years ago when we moved up to Phoenix from Nogales. Lupita and I hit it off as soon as we met. She helped me with the planning of my wedding and was one of our bridesmaids. She always had a smile on her face and never let the leukemia change her. She was an inspiration to all and we will never forget her.
All our love and condolenses to Cecilia, Maura, Antonio, Mark and the entire Saavedra/Burian family.
With love, Manuel and Amanda Salazar and family

Tony Cooper CHS '81

September 27, 2006

My dearest sympathy to Senora Saavedra, Maura, y Antonio:
Your daughter, your sister, and your mother will always live in the greatness called Love;
Be strong, be brave, be faithful for Lupe's smile shall always be cherished in your heart, mind, and spirit; a blessing from above.
I will always remember her smile, and I have heard about her courage from my brother. My prayers are still with you.

Patricia Sherwood

September 27, 2006

I became a friend of Lupe's sister, Maura, back in high school, so of course, Lupe befriended me, as she does everyone; Lupe could talk, talk, talk, talk, talk! I remember her sweet voice,her bakery, and her wonderful smile. May she rest in peace with God as His newest angel shines upon us. I wish her mother, her sister and her son much love and closeness as they get through this difficult loss. Take care.
Sincerely, Patricia Gomez Sherwood

Kevan Boyce

September 27, 2006

Lupe was a genuinely wonderful person--always kind to everyone. My deepest sympathy and condolences to her family. She will be missed.

Raymond, Rosa Maria y familia Coronado

September 27, 2006

To the Saavedra/Burian Family, Our deepest sympathies on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with ALL of you. May God and His Blessed Mother La Virgen de Guadalupe Bless you always.

Diana Sauceda

September 27, 2006

I met and worked with Lupe at the City of Phoenix Water Department. She was such a lovely person and friendly too. She spoke of her child with such a sparkle in her eye as if he was the diamond in the sky. I wondered why she didn't return to work after a few weeks. When I asked, it was then I found out she had a relasp. I had no idea of her battles. She was always a happy person to be around. I will miss you Lupe

Michael Darrow CHS '83

September 27, 2006

I can't remember seeing Lupe with anything but a smile on her face. She will definitely be missed.

Susan Gilbert

September 27, 2006

Lupe's courage and strength will long be remembered. My prayers and sincerest sympathies are with you and your family.

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