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Maria Espinoza Obituary
Maria Guadalupe "Lupe" Juarez Espinoza passed away on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, in her home surrounded by friends and family after a three and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Lupe was born on Dec. 11, 1960, in Ojai, Calif. She graduated from Nordhoff High School in 1979, and married her high school sweetheart, Juan Espinoza, on September 29, 1979.
She is survived by her husband, Juan; her four children: Alyssa (husband Travis Coker), Jeanette, John and Michael; her mother and father; and nine siblings.
She worked for Bank of America for 17 years and also worked as a bilingual assistant for Matilija Jr. High School for 11 years. Everybody who came to know her loved her for her great smile and loving personality. She was a mother first and foremost and an incredible wife and friend. She was a truly a strong and inspirational woman who brought a whole new meaning to family and faith. She will live on in all those she touched.
There will be a rosary held at St. Thomas Aquinas at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7. The Mass will also be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas at noon Friday, Aug. 8, and will be followed by a reception at the hall.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to www.pancan.org.
Services provided by Rose-Perez Mortuary in Camarillo.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maria Espinoza
Leticia Juarez Marquez
August 20, 2008
Lupe was (my aunt/godmother), a very strong person with a big heart and a smile that no one will ever forget.
She left behind a wonderful husband and kids that took care of her everyday and were fighting the cancer together with her.
As for my cousins; Alyssa, Jeanette, John, and Mikey, I love you guys so much.
I still cannot believe she's gone. I will NEVER forget her.
I love you nina(Lupe)!
Bonnie Landsman
August 12, 2008
Our thoughts, hearts, and prayers are with you guys. Your Mom and I went to Ojai Elementary School together when we were little girls. She was my good friend. I had one sister growing up so it was fun to be around Lupe and her family. I moved to Ventura and went to junior high and high school there. Upon returning to Ojai when Lupe and I would run into each other it was as if time stood still. She always made me feel like we still had that connection. She was always so warm and welcoming. Watching John play summer basketball with my son Todd a couple years ago was so much fun! Watching John play gave her so much joy. She was so proud of all her kids. She and Juan did a fantastic job with the kids. She had a positive outlook about everything. We will miss her and know she will always be in your heart, God Bless you all, love Bonnie, Jim, Tim, and Todd Landsman
Sandra Murillo(Chavez)
August 10, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carmelo & Lupe Patino
August 9, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived
okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here
is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up
and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were
gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for
me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's
chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life
on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not
be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But
one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a
time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will
give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day
was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the
way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick
him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in
your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember
you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Nadia and the Guzman Family
August 9, 2008
It makes me very sad to hear of Lupes' passing. I had not seen Lupe since working with her quite some time ago. Ocassionally I would think of her and each time I did the first thing that came to mind was her amazing smile, laugh, and optimism. Like myself Lupe has touched so many lives and my family and I were just fortunate enough to know her. Our deepest condolences go out to the Espinoza family.
Carl and Sharon Michels
August 8, 2008
We want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Though we didn’t know Lupe well, we do know she raised some wonderful children.
Jamie, Karen, JJ, Jessica, & Sarah Lagos
August 8, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Christopher Bohney
August 8, 2008
I am deeply saddend to hear of Lupe's passing. I will miss her smile and optimism. I was lucky enough to have taught all of her children. If your children are a mark of one's legacy, than Lupe can pass on knowing that she gave the world wonderful, caring and kind people. There is no doubt that this, in large part, due to her excellent mothering. Rest Peacefully, we miss you.
Rosa Arias
August 7, 2008
Siento mucho la gran perdida. Lupe vivira en su corazon y pensamiento para siempre por todos los bonitos momentos y porque fue una gran esposa y una gran madre. Dios Les de Recignacion, Rosa Arias
Denise Thomas
August 7, 2008
Juan,
Alyssa, Jeanette, John and Michael-- Your wife/mother was a remarkable
woman who showed so much courage to the rest of us about how to live
our lives. I would like to add this: "In one of the stars, I shall be
living, In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all
the stars were laughing when you look at the sky at night." The Little
Prince
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Familia Morales jose.gloria.josejr.bonnie.ricardo.gloria.pablo.paco.patty
August 7, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time. She will always be remembered and have a special place in our hearts.
Adan Lara
August 7, 2008
TO SAY THAT OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND TO OFFER OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN YOUR LOSS.
If the love and sympathy of friends can ease you grief in any way, we hope you know we"re here for you and that you're in our thoughts taday.
Familia Espinoza nuestros mas sentido pesame en la perdida de un ser tan querido, sabemos que estos son momentos dificiles en sus vidas pero tambien sabemos que Dios les va a dar las fuerzas que necesitan para seguir adelante. estaran en nuestras oraciones, que Dios los vendiga a todos y cada uno de ustedes.Fam Lara Adan Carmen Maribel Eric y Mariela.
Sharon & Ron Johnson
August 7, 2008
Lupe was an amazing and loving woman. We feel so blessed to have known her and her family and we sincerly admired her courage and strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ron, Sharon, Nick and Michelle
Gary & Teri Olson
August 6, 2008
We were very saddened to hear about your mother/mother-in-law’s passing.
While we know that words are only a small gesture of support, we want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Our deepest sympathy and love to you and yours.
Juan, Danny and Veronica Morales
August 6, 2008
With deepest sympathy our thoughts are with you in this diffucult time. Our condolences goes to our padrino Juan, the entire Espinoza and Juarez family.
Lori Lemire
August 6, 2008
Lupe - I will miss our uplifting talks, your always cheerful face and your positive outlook on life. You brought happiness to all that knew you, and through your family, even to those that didn't !! Your shining light will continue here in the hearts of those you have left behind. I am stronger in my faith because of you. Until we meet again,
Gene & Pat Coker
August 6, 2008
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you at this very difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss and want you to know we are thinking of you.
Zulma Munoz
August 6, 2008
My heart goes out to the entire Juarez and Espinoza family. Lupe was a very happy and loving mother , daughter, and devoted wife. I admire her for her strength and the ability to live her life as if nothing was ever wrong. I'm thankful to Carlos (Her big brother) for introducing me to her and such a united family. You are all blessed to have each other. Stay strong and look towards your faith for comfort and healing. Lupe, thank you for welcoming me in to your home and family. You will be missed.
Mayra Ibarra
August 6, 2008
This message goes out to all her of Lupe's family and friends. My name is Mayra, I have been a friend to Evelina and her family since 97, and I have grown to love each and every one of the Calderon's as family. I am deeply sorry for your loss and I hope you know how sorry I am and how much I care. God bless.
Vanessa Strockbine
August 6, 2008
Lupe touched the hearts of everyone that knew her. She will be greatly missed but NEVER forgotten. My children have already renewed our old Friday nights at Lupe's (Family Matters and popcorn).
Julie Kuntz
August 6, 2008
I'm so sorry for all of Lupe's family going through this hard time...
I am Evelina's friend and she was there for me through losing my dad to cancer...and I can honestly say I know Maria is in a better place!
Love & Peace!
Gus Hoffman
August 6, 2008
I knew Lupe, and am really good friends with her son John, she was always a pleasure to be around. May her soul rest in peace.
PAM REAGAN
August 6, 2008
A Beautiful fun loving women !! so very very PROUD of all her family and friends , we are all so very blessed to have had her in our lives , God had created an ANGEL for whom we could love and cherish and she will be forever in our hearts .
with much love and admiration always
Mona Armijo (Benitez-Sloan)
August 6, 2008
Lupe ~ My soul sister. We have the same birthday 12/11, and beautiful children. Cancer cannot take our spirit. I am proud of your battle - we will all miss you & your grand aura. May God Bless you, Espinoza family and grant you peace. Love, mona, josh, tahnie, brad.
Valeska Lopez
August 6, 2008
I did not personally know Maria but am very good friends with her niece Evelina..i have heard nothing but wonderful things about her the last few years and am very saddened to hear of her passing. My heart goes out to all of Marias family and friends. My prayers are with you all. God Bless.
annmary vargas
August 6, 2008
My aunt was a very strong women and I admired her for having such a beautiful family. I will have a special place for her in my heart always.
Mark, Carri, Ryan, Evan Jacobs
August 6, 2008
Our heart breaks for the loss of Lupe who touched so many of us. We will most miss her delightful smile and positive attitude. The world has lost a truly wonderful woman but heaven has gained a new angel. My God richly bless you all during this difficult time.
Robin and Pete Shedlosky
August 6, 2008
We are so sad to hear of Lupe's death. It was an incredible privilege to know her. We pray for God's comfort for al of your family.
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