Guadalupe "Lupe" Flores Rubio

Guadalupe ( Lupe ) Flores Rubio passed away peacefully on January 11, 2021 due to complications from the Covid Virus. She was Born on December 8, 1922 in Placencia California to Julian and Mercedes Flores of Torreon and Penjamo Mexico respectively.

The Family lost everything in a devastating flood of the Los Angeles Basin and was forced to migrate North and work the fields. As the eldest of what would later become 9 siblings, she left school in the 9th Grade and with her Sister Josefina ( Josie ) and Brother Angel (Joe ) they worked the fields also, Picking Cotton in Mendota and Firebaugh, California.

They continued working, thinning Lettuce, picking Strawberries, canning Peaches, cutting Apricots, picking Prunes, picking and topping Carrots and picking Brussel Sprouts throughout the Family’s moves to Hollister, Castroville, Watsonville and eventually settling in Salinas.

When her beloved Sister Josie married John Rubio, she met Salvador Nicolas Rubio and they Married on April, 23 1949 and together they raised three Children; Ralph Steven, Mary Louise and Gilbert Eugene.

She became the “Mother” of the Flores Family and saw to the care of her Father and her younger siblings when her Mother was killed in a tragic Train accident.

Her husband refused to let her work, but she continued to work at home, doing Laundry, Sewing, Babysitting, and errands for other people, all while taking care of her Father and Siblings and caring for, and raising her own Family.

An excellent Cook and Homemaker, she loved Plants and Flowers, especially Roses and was known to have a Green Thumb. She also loved Painting, Sewing, Knitting and Crocheting, and Singing and had a love for birds, owning several Canaries through the years.

A Devout and Faithful Servant of The Lord, she raised her Family with a Foundation of Love, Faith and Family. Her Love and Pride in her Culture, calm and patient demeanor, and her Motherly instincts were called upon to be Godmother to seven of her Nieces and Nephews

and countless others outside of the family.

As an original member of St. Francis Xavier Parish, she was involved in several ministries including Eucharistic Minister, the Legion of Mary, the Altar Society, Cursillo Movement, Couples for Christ, Handmaidens of The Lord, The Secular Franciscan Order and the International Festival committee among others, and she also sang in the Diocesan Choir and the Church Choir, and was an original member of the first Spanish Choir in the Parish.

She also used to Sew Garments and Vestments for the Priests and through the years would regularly have all the Priests over for Dinner and to this day many of them ask for her

and if she still makes her delicious Enchiladas and Rice.

She was regularly called upon by the Parish to be an “ambassador” and go to speak to Spanish Speaking Families new to the Community and ask what they were in need of, and advise them on how to access the Community of Faith and Services of Faith at St. Francis Xavier Parish. She would also regularly visit the ill and elderly and would take them Communion and Pray with them on behalf of the Church.

When her daughter Mary, became ill with Cancer, she became her caregiver, constant companion and friend for 10 years until The Lord called Mary home.

A woman of natural beauty, dignity, uncommon wisdom and a sweet, patient, gentle but firm, nature coupled with an innocent yet knowing sense of humor and a compassionate heart committed to being of service and help to others, endeared her to so many people of all ages, cultures and walks of life.

A traditional sense of values coupled with a realistic and wise, open mind saw her being relied upon to console, counsel and offer advice to family and friends and even friends of her children.

She was preceded in death by husband, Sal Rubio in September 1997; Daughter, Mary Rubio Emmons in September 2006 and Son, Ralph Rubio in July 2020.

She is survived by Son, Gil Rubio ( Roxana ); Granddaughter, Michelle Rubio Moore ( Eric ); Grandson, Mario Rubio; Granddaughter, Sheana Emmons; Great Grandchildren; Jazmin Moore, Zach Moore, Alec Moore, Francis Ross, Kaleigh Rubio, Kianna Rubio and one Great, Great Granddaughter, Abby Bishop.