Lupe Licerio Fernandez

Born on April 8, 1934, to Nicholas and Catalina (Castruita) Licerio, Lupe was the youngest of four children – the only daughter. She was born and raised in Santa Ana, California, and was very proud of the fact that she spent her entire life there.

She graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1953, and married Robert R. Fernandez shortly thereafter. They settled down in a home on the corner of Warner & Maple Street, where they remained for the next 62 years. It was here that she raised 3 children as a devoted mother who was involved in all of their schools and activities. She made a point of knowing all their friends, and making them feel welcome.

Lupe loved trips to Las Vegas, Elvis, Engelbert Humperdinck and Il Divo concerts, her orchids and roses, parades, Disneyland, Lenox, her friends, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She enjoyed keeping track of her growing family, and was proud of every accomplishment. She loved adventures and was always up for trips to the mall, farmer’s market, or eating out. She had a great sense of direction, and wouldn’t hesitate to tell you the shortest routes to get where you were going. She was blessed with a fantastic memory, and a good sense of humor. She bled Dodger blue- unlike her sons (who were Angel fans much to her frustration), and lived for a good baseball game. When the Dodgers won the World Series this year, she watched every game.

Although her wings were clipped by use of a wheelchair over the last 20 years, her stubborn nature did not allow that to stop her. She maintained her strength and independence, continuing to do all that she could for herself up until her last day.

She will be remembered for her love and loyalty of family and friends, her strength, her ability to accept life’s challenges, and her unfailing support.

Lupe is survived by her husband Robert, daughter Cate (& Harvey) Riggs, son Robert (& Barbara) Fernandez, and son Michael Fernandez. She also leaves three grandchildren, Laura Fernandez, Becky (& Mike) Short, and Kevin Fernandez (& Kelsey McDonough), and three great grandchildren: Kai, Kane and Calia Short.

She was either “Mom” or “Grams” to many. She was very loved and will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace, Grams.