Lupe Gloria Ramirez

Lupe Gloria Ramirez, 94, passed away in San Diego on Monday Jan 4, 2016 She was born in San Diego on December 11,1921. She lived in San Diego all her life, attended Memorial Jr. High School and graduated from San Diego High School the first San Diego High School called then " The Old Gray Castle". She had many Japanese-American friends, and worked as a teen at the original Japanese Tea Garden in Balboa Park behind the scenes before the war. She worked during World War II in the Aircraft industry and is part of the group of women called " Rosie the Riveter". Later she spent 26 years as an Employment Developer for the Cal State Dept of Employment, retiring in 1993. She worked helping Vietnamese refugees find employment as part of her position, and learned appreciation of their culture. Lupe practiced and was devoted to the Roman Catholic faith. Lupe's social life as a young mother and part of a large extended Martinez family, centered around volunteering in church activities such as " fiestas" at St. Jude Shrine of the West and St. Jude Academy. Upon retirement Lupe volunteered at the St. Jude 's parish office using her bilingual skills. Survivors include: husband, Albert. ; daughters Esther Salazar (Lucian) of San Diego, Juanita Edwards (Thomas) of San Diego, Monica DeGrandis (William) of Great Falls, VA, Maria Luisa Moriarity (Joseph) of Forest Lake, MN, brother Ricardo Martinez (Marielle) of Vista CA, and grandchildren Teresa Salazar and Paul-Michael Edwards. Lupe is preceded in death by her parents Juanita Aguilera Martinez and Cesario Martinez of Guanajuato, Mexico; brothers Anthony Martinez, Martin Martinez, Sr., sisters; Carmen Martinez,and Nellie Martinez. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Missionaries of Charity, 3877 Boston Ave., San Diego, CA 92113 or to St. Jude Shrine of the West, 1129 S. 39th St., San Diego, CA 92113 (619) 264-2198. Thank you for your prayers.