Guadalupe V. Jessie

A life of Style, Love and Grace

With hearts full of gratitude and tristeza, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Guadalupe “Lupita” Valdez Jessie, who started her new journey with an open heart-surrounded by her loving family on March 12, 2026. Lupita was a woman of timeless beauty, strength, and grace, she lived a life with determination, creativity and passion. She leaves behind a legacy as vibrant and unforgettable as she was.

She was a devoted daughter, sister, and wife to her late husband Jerry, of 63 years; a proud mother to Irasema “Edie”, Maria “Jesusita” and her late son, Jerry; a proud grandmother to Michael, Ayla and her husband Mike, Seth and his wife Maritza, and Haley; an adoring Bisabuela to Riley; and a generous friend to many.

From the very beginning, Lupita’s life was extraordinary. She entered the world on a small fishing boat in the middle of the Sea of Cortez, a story that became a defining part of her identity. You could say she was a fish out of water from the start. The ocean was her first home, and she carried its spirit with her—often saying it made her feel truly alive.

Lupita built her life on determination, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to family. She helped her mother raise eleven siblings, embracing responsibility with love and grace. Her passion for caring for others led her into nursing, and she continued her studies with the dream of becoming a doctor.

With marriage, Lupita began a new chapter that required immense courage. She left behind her country, her family, her career, and even her language. Yet she embraced these challenges with grace. She learned English, mastered preparing American meals, and created a home filled with warmth and love. She took pride not only in nurturing her family, but also in building friendships and weaving herself into each new community.

Lupita had a gift in her hands. She was a talented artist who, with a simple brushstroke, brought emotion and life to her paintings. Even the point of her finger could express what words could not. Her hands also created meals made with love—her tamales became a cherished family tradition. Some people have a green thumb, but she had a green hand; everything she touched seemed to grow.

Her loving hands crocheted scarves, blankets, and baby blankets, each one made with tenderness and destined to be treasured. And her spiritual hands held her rosary and prayer books every day, lifting up prayers for those she loved and for anyone she believed needed God’s help.

Lupita had a way of making everyone feel at home. She was thoughtful, generous, and always ready to help. Her kindness showed in simple acts—offering a ride, giving someone shelter, or noticing when someone needed a little care. Holidays were especially meaningful to her; no one was ever left out. She always had a gift ready for the mailman, the garbage collector, and even the unexpected guest who arrived at Christmas.

She was also a gifted storyteller, an embellisher in the most charming way. When Lupita shared a story, she didn’t just recount it—she brought it to life. Her details, her expressions, made every tale richer, funnier, or more heartfelt than it had been in the moment. She had a way of turning ordinary memories into something memorable.

She was creative. She was loving. She was tough. She was an exceptional person. She was absolutely one of a kind.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, kindness, and strength will live on through her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will carry her memory in our hearts forever.

Lupita’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, resilience, and creativity. We find comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to inspire us, and we will honor her memory by living lives filled with the same joy she brought us. We promise to keep the legacy going-with love, laughter, and memories of you.

Lupita is survived by her daughters, Irasema and Maria; and her grandchildren, Michael, Ayla and her husband Mike, Seth and his wife Maritza, and Haley; and her great granddaughter Riley. She was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Joseph; her parents, Rafaela and Francisco; her brother, Jesus; and her sisters, Susana and Marina.

Please join us as we will gather to honor and celebrate Lupita’s life on April 18, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79903. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.