Lupe Sanchez Martinez

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Lupe Sanchez Martinez who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Lupe was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Lupe knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.       Her parents were Reyes and Babilidis Sanchez. Lupe was born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Prescott, Arizona. Even as a youngster, Lupe learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.      As a young girl, Lupe was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Lupe was raised with two siblings. She had two brothers, Pete and Rudy. Lupe had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Lupe, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.      Lupe's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Lupe enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Lupe took part in basketball.      In school, Lupe was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Lupe was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Lupe’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Prescott High School in 1941. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. One of her accomplishments in high school was being involved with the Prescott Drill Team.      An objective and conscientious individual, Lupe reveled in the security of her family. On September 12, 1943 Lupe exchanged wedding vows with Billie A. Martinez at the Catholic Church in Prescott, Arizona. One of Lupe’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.      Lupe was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Lupe would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Lupe was blessed with two daughters, Lydia and Irene. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Rafael Lopez, Michele Niko, and Kevin Kawaoka; three great-grandchildren, Richard Corral, Keith Valencia, Osirus Niko; and one great-great-grandchild, Richard Corral Jr.      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Lupe was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Lupe upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was as a homemaker and as an office assistant. Lupe was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”      Lupe approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were collecting dolls, coins, and stamps. Lupe was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.      A civic-minded person, Lupe was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Lupe was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Omaha Woodman and the Knights of Columbus. During these years, Lupe applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.      Faith was important to Lupe. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of St. Patricks Catholic Church. During that time, she was involved with Guadelupanos (Bible study).      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Lupe used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Lupe had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Europe, Mexico, Arizona, Hawaii, Rome, and Italy.      Lupe was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Two of Lupe’s favorites was Baby, a cat, and Chili, a dog.       When Lupe’s retirement finally arrived, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. Her new life involved relocating to San Jose, California. In retirement, she found new pleasure in staying active in church and being involved with the Salvation Army - Senior Center. In many ways, Lupe loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.      Lupe passed away on August 28, 2009 at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara, California due to old age (cardiac arrest). She is survived by her daughters, Lydia and Irene; her grandchildren, Michele, Rafael, and Kevin; her great-grandchildren, Richard, Keith, and Osirus; and her great-great-grandchild, Richard Jr. Services were held at St. Patricks Catholic Church. Lupe was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.      All who knew her would agree that Lupe was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Lupe Sanchez Martinez did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.