Guadalupe Avila

Those who knew Guadalupe knew a devoted Catholic, a dreamer, a leader, and most importantly, a fighter. She recently celebrated her 70th birthday, where she was surrounded by all of her loved ones; she spent the day watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel, her favorite pastime.

Guadalupe suffered from many ailments and autoimmune diseases, but fought valiantly for more time with her family for over twenty one years since her diagnoses. Guadalupe was faithful to God and to her family above all else. She was known for being generous with her time, lending a helping hand whenever needed, and loving everyone fiercely. She often appeared stern and reserved, but had the softest heart that was showcased through her acts of service to her friends, family, and community.

Guadalupe always made time for fun, in spite of her many health issues. Her love of life was illustrated through her determination to help plan and decorate countless events, go on family camping trips, vacation at Disney World, and support her children as they began life and marriages of their own.

Guadalupe Lucia Avila was born in Fresno, California on December 12th, 1955. She died peacefully in her childhood home on January 16th, 2026.

Guadalupe is predeceased by her father, Louie Avila, and ex-husband, Bryan Orrell.

She is survived by her mother, Lupe Avila, of Fresno, California, her sister Herlinda Figueroa and brother-in-law Carlos Figueroa of Kerman, California, her sister Cynthia Crone and brother-in-law Donald Crone of Marana, Arizona, and her sister Frances Hernandez and brother-in-law Ric Hernandez of Fresno, California. Guadalupe is survived by her son, Erik Orrell, daughter-in-law Haley Orrell, and grandpup, Rainbow Chip Orrell of Las Vegas, Nevada. She is survived by her daughter Teri Rodriguez, her son-in-law Luis Rodriguez, and her cherished granddaughter Jade Rodriguez of Fresno, California. Guadalupe departs her nieces, Cecilia Arnao of Fresno, California, Rachel Whitecotton of Fresno, California, Rebecca Guerra of Visalia, California, Catalina Molina of Fresno, California, Lola Figueroa of Kerman, California, and Rita Macias of New Braunfels, Texas, along with her twelve grand nephews and nieces.

Guadalupe was steadfast, resolute, determined, and hardworking. She never let the odds of her survival get in the way of living her life exactly the way she envisioned it. She was a lionhearted powerhouse who faced every challenge she was met with each day she graced this planet.

Guadalupe was an extraordinary woman, daughter, sister, aunt, nina, mother, and grandmother who will live in infamy through the love she filled us with, the values she instilled in us, and the memories we were blessed with due to her passionate fight for life.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on February 9th, 2026, at 9:30 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, located at 4636 W. Dakota Ave, Fresno, California, 93722.

A Catholic Mass will follow on the same day at 10:00 am at the same location.

A Committal Service will take place at Fresno Memorial Gardens after the Mass, located at 175 S. Cornelia Ave, Fresno, California, 93706, on February 9th, 2026.

We encourage friends and family to add memories, notes, and photos to Guadalupe’s website. All postings will be printed out and made into memory books for her children, Erik and Teri.

Written by: Haley Orrell