Guadalupe “Lupe” Manchaca Valdez, 76, of Victoria, passed away January 7, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Victoria, Texas, to the late Tanislado Lara (T.L.) and Julia Nunez Manchaca, on November 18, 1946. Lupe worked 30+ years, and retired from Citizens Medical Center, with her last position being in accounts payable.
Lupe was the best mom & grandmother ever! She was always there for her girls (Betty, Julia & Ann Margaret), ensuring us we could do whatever we set our minds to. She taught us to stand up for ourselves & speak our minds. She encouraged us to get an education, work hard but be happy, never forget where you came from and most important always practice our faith. As a grandmother she was everything they ever needed her to be.
Mom was always there to give you a big hug, advice, a shoulder to lean on or cry to. Mom was our biggest cheerleader & motivator.
It took a while before mom became a grandmother but once she did it was an awesome sight to see her with them. She loved them all so much & she was extremely proud of their many accomplishments.
Mom loved to travel, watch baseball, boxing & go gambling, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with the family. Mom & dad loved traveling everywhere, especially to Colorado to visit family. They did their best to make every party, wedding, graduation or any celebration they were invited to. It was an excuse to do her favorite thing ‘SHOP’ for a new outfit, purse or shoes.
Growing up our home was always open to anyone needing a meal, a place to stay or to visit. She never turned anyone away. Between all three daughters, we always had friends visiting and they loved that mom always made homemade tortillas. I asked her once if it ever bothered her to have so many people in our home at one time, she replied with the biggest smile “Heck no! It makes me happy”.
Mom & Dad were very much in love and sometimes acted like teenagers. They set a wonderful example for us to follow on how to love & respect one another. They made it look so easy to be in love for so long. Just imagine the reunion and joyous celebration they are having right now, together again!
Mom, you will remain in our hearts, thoughts & prayers. We admired your signature leopard print & catch phrase “It’s all good” and one day, we will see you again, your loving daughters Julia, Ann Margaret & Vanita (who she equally loved & treated like a daughter).
In addition to her parents Lupe was preceded in death by the love of her life Estaquio Valdez, her beautiful daughter Betty Lou Echeveste and sisters; Gloria Flores and Connie Manchaca. She is survived by her daughters Julia (Ralph) Montes, Ann Margaret (Michael) Gonzales and Vanita Cheeves. Grandchildren: Jaime Echeveste, Gabriella Gonzales, Luis Echeveste, Jaquelyn Gonzales, Arnold Rosas, Christian Gonzales, Alonzo Rosas & Matthew Gonzales.
We will miss & cherish your memory mom.
Visitation to be held at Rosewood Funeral Home from 5-7 pm, followed by a Rosary at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial to be held Friday, January 13, 2023, at 2 pm, at Holy Family Church, with interment immediately following at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jaime Echeveste, Luis Echeveste, Christian Gonzales, Matthew Gonzales, Arnold Rosas & Alonzo Rosas. Honorary pallbearers: Danny Guardiola, Maurice (Mo) James and Alexandra (Lexi) Tucker.
Special thanks & appreciation to: Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center, Dr Meyer, Dr Vu, Kelli Longoria, NP. To the entire staff (CNA’s, RN, LVN’s, etc.) at Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center, the gratitude & appreciation we have for each and every one of you is immeasurable. Regardless of your positions you each made a difference in mom’s care and we thank you!
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
