Hope Saucedo Marquez

FEBRUARY 22, 1927 – JANUARY 3, 2018

Esperanza (Hope) Marquez was born on February 22, 1927 to Cristobal and Maria del Refugio Saucedo in San Bernardino, CA. Esperanza is the eighth of nine children and the last member of the family to pass away.

Her siblings include: Flora May, Inez, Petra, Cristobal, Blaz, Ruth, Consuelo, Salvador and two granddaughters, Berta and Priscilla, who were raised as siblings.

Esperanza attended San Bernardino schools and after finishing her schooling began her career as a laundry worker. During these formative work years, Esperanza developed a strong work ethic and began to see the need to defend the rights of women in the workplace.

In 1952, Cristobal and Maria Saucedo moved to Redlands, CA to take over a church mission, Mision Apostolica de la Fe en Cristo Jesus. Esperanza moved with her parents and helped them establish the church and open a restaurant/tortilleria on Stuart St. During this time, she also took care of theTurley twins. Craig Turley is currently the Director/Pastor of the Blessing Center in Redlands, CA.

In the mid 1970’s, Hope moved to Miami, Florida to be closer to her future husband’s family. She married Harold Marquez in Florida on November 1, 1980. In the late 1980’s, Harold was diagnosed with cancer and he and Hope moved back to California. They settled in Riverside, CA. In May 2002, Harold passed away.

One of the things Hope enjoyed was going to Ensenada, Mexico to spend time in her mobile home near the beach. She and Harold spent as much time as possible enjoying the food, people, and scenery.

Hope spent her entire work career as a laundry worker and an active union member defending the rights of the workers. She retired in 1995 to enjoy her home and house pets: Paco, Little, and Buster who were her faithful companions until the last year of her life. Wherever Hope worked, she made long lasting friendships with her work friends.

The last eight years of her life, Hope was cared for by Lydia Hernandez. Lydia became more than an employee. She became a friend, confidant, and close companion. The family would like to express gratitude to Lydia for all she did for our aunt.

Hope (Esperanza) Marquez passed away peacefully in her home on January 3, 2018 just shy of her 91 birthday. Rest in Peace Tia Pila!