Born on November 22, 1943, in Selma, California, to Jose Maria and Antonia Salazar, Lupe grew up in a large, loving family with deep roots in the Central Valley. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Sal, Jess, Alfred, Raul, and Tony. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of more than 50 years, Joe Vargas; her daughters Kathleen McCarthy, Caroline (and Matthew) Stevens, and Annie (and Tim) Abernathy; and her cherished granddaughters Madeline, Morgan, Sienna, and Sydney. She is also survived by her sisters, Sara Escobar and Jessie Ota, and many nieces, nephews, former students, and dear friends.
Lupe dedicated 26 years of her life to teaching Spanish at Fowler High School, where she inspired generations of students with her love for language, culture, and learning. She was a passionate educator who believed in the power of education to broaden hearts and minds, and she brought compassion, warmth, and humor into every classroom she entered.
Lupe and Joe made their home on a beautiful ranch in Kingsburg, California, where they raised their family and built a life grounded in love, faith, and community. In 2019, they moved to Fresno, where Lupe continued to find joy in the simple things—her books, the arts, and time with family.
A devout Catholic, Lupe was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Her faith was a constant presence in her life, sustaining her through both joy and hardship. She especially loved attending local musicals and symphonies, traveling to new places, and spending quality time with her granddaughters, who were the light of her life.
Lupe’s legacy is one of grace, strength, and quiet wisdom. She taught us not only how to speak another language but how to listen with empathy, live with purpose, and love without condition. Her gentle spirit and kind heart touched everyone she met.
She will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely will continue to echo in the lives of those who were blessed to know her.
Visitation for Lupe will be held Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720 followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 4:00 PM.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730.
A committal service following the funeral mass will be held at Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E Clarkson Ave, Kingsburg, CA 93631.
