Francisco Marquez “Pancho” Lopez, 89, of Woodlake CA, passed away on June 13, 2018 in Visalia CA. Pancho, as his family and friends lovingly called him, was born on December 3, 1928 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Guadalupe Marquez and Emilio Lopez.
Pancho is proceeded in death by his mother, Guadalupe Marquez, and his brother, Carlos Marquez. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Silvestra Lopez; his daughter Leticia Lopez-Cibrian (Julio); his son Frank Lopez Jr; and the apples of his eyes, his granddaughters: Cristabel, Maritzah and Noelle Cibrian. He is also survived by his brothers Mario (Alicia) Marquez, Jesus (Patricia) Marquez, and his sister-in-law, Esperanza Marquez. In addition he is survived by numerous compadres, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
As a young man, Pancho left his family in Chihuahua, Mexico to come to work in the United States. He worked as a farm laborer for more than 60 years. Pancho initially arrived in Texas and then followed the crops, eventually relocating to Woodlake where he lived for more than 60 years. Pancho continued to support his mother and younger siblings who were living in Chihuahua and eventually with the help of his cousin Elisa, brought them all to the United States. Pancho loved to tell stories of how he and his cousin Memo travelled back and forth across the border on a motorcycle, many times sleeping under bridges. He loved sitting around talking about old times. Pancho was always smiling and acting silly. As he passed by Valero’s he would honk his horn and yell “Comp”! In the fields, Pancho was energetic and driven, and would leave the younger workers behind. He made the best of his work days and would often be heard laughing and yelling across the fields to other workers. Pancho had a heart of gold and wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone in need. Anyone who knew Pancho knew him as a hard worker and, despite his age, he was still very active—you could still find him mowing his lawn, pruning his trees, grocery shopping or picking up his “girls” from school or the bus stop. Pancho leaves a huge void in our hearts.
A viewing will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel in Woodlake on Wednesday June 20th from 2-6pm. The Rosary will immediately follow. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday June 21st at 9am at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Woodlake. Interment to follow Mass at Woodlake District Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel.
