Loving Mother and Grandmother, Lucy Ruiz Andrade, age 94 passed away peacefully in Clovis California in the early morning of Thursday January 23, 2025, God rest her Soul. She was born in Ventura California June 11, 1930 to Carmen Melendez from Chihuahua Mexico. In her younger years she lived in the Los Angeles area and moved to the San Jose area then Fresno.
She married Louie Cardona Andrade in June of 1948. They were married til death did them part for 75 years. She was homeless at the age of 13 and worked in various canneries and migrant field work. She then worked for many years at DiCicco’s Pizzeria as a Waitress and Supervisor. For a few years she worked at the Holiday Inn as a Waitress and Banquet Server. All while caring for 5 kids and taking care of the household.
Lucy’s love for cooking and feeding everyone was a reward to all who visited her home or invited her to a party. She enjoyed playing cards and exercising on a regular basis. Lucy was outgoing, energetic, sensitive, always spoke her mind and had a good sense of humor. She loved her family with all her heart and loved celebrating Birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Weddings etc. Giving was something that brought her great joy.
When visiting Lucy’s home you would find a variety of pets and plenty of children from the neighborhood or relatives. There was a small garden and several trees in the yard, a walnut and almond tree and 3 peach trees, the white peaches were her favorite. The aroma of something tasty to eat was often in the air. On your birthday she would make pancakes in the shape of Mickey Mouse or happy birthday spelled out and a homemade birthday cake. There were homemade pies, cookies, canned fruit and the best peach preserves ever. Homemade flour tortillas and beans were a staple in her home. The variety of dishes included Tamales, Lengua, Cocido, Menudo, Enchiladas, Tacos along with Pot Roast, Pork Chops and Meatloaf. The list is too long to name them all here.
Toward the end of Lucy’s life she was blessed with caregivers that truly cared and understood her at the Green Gables Care Home. Also Hospice was supportive and comforting. The family greatly appreciates their sensitive and gracious services. The priest provided prayers and comfort for her peace of mind.
Lucy is survived by her daughter Carmen Andrade, son Louie Andrade Jr., daughter Virginia Andrade, daughter Theresa Andrade, grandsons Nicholas Andrade, Floyd Cruz, Larry Taylor II and Vincent Andrade, granddaughters Denise Andrade, Stephanie Colmenero and Benai Taylor, 13 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great Great Grandchildren, brother Raymond Chacon, sisters Toni Salazar and Esperanza Garcia.
She was preceded in death by her husband Louie C. Andrade, her son Pete Norris, her son Nick Andrade, daughter in-law Lynn Andrade, grandson Freddie Andrade, brothers Manuel and Gilbert Garcia, sisters Esther Aragon, Augustina Gamero, Jessie Sambrano, Connie Rodriguez, Socorro Melendez and Gloria Ammerman.
Funeral service is Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 11:00 am at New Hope Community Church, Clovis, CA.
“Do not cry for me, I am at peace in the Grace of God, an Angel watching over you.”
