Guadalupe Almendarez

Guadalupe "Lupe" Almendarez [nee Parra], was the beloved wife of the late Matias. The loving mother of Ricardo (Judy), Ruben (Susan), and Lisa, a devoted grandmother to Jessica, Veronica, Nicolas, Samuel (Melissa) and the late Daniel, and also a great-grandma to Malia Rose Tarbhai.

Lupe was the cherished daughter of Miguel "Mike" and Petra Parra and one of ten siblings. Lupe is survived by her brother, Joseph (the late Irene) Parra, and preceded in death by the late Abigail (Charles) Toribio, Fidel (Jessie) Parra, Sr., Elisa (Armando) Aranda, Ceferino "Zip" (Celestina) Parra, Raul (Vincenta "Gloria") Parra, Jesse Parra, Lorenzo "Lawrence" (Agnes) Parra, and Victor (Connie) Parra.

Lupe was the caring daughter-in-law of the late Felix (Valentina) Almendarez and fond sister-in-law of Antonia (José Roman) Martinez, Exiquio (Barbara) Almendarez, Eliza Gose, and Cruz (Dolores) Almendarez. She was also a dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Early on, Lupe was a caregiver to her Mother and helped raise several of her brothers after her parents had passed.

Lupe was beautiful, caring, compassionate, supportive and had a great sense of humor! Her family was the center of her life, and her care for them was marked by a generous spirit and a steady presence that will be deeply missed.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Lupe attended St. Francis of Assisi School, where the roots of a life shaped by steadfast faith and deep devotion were first nurtured.

A woman of enduring faith, Lupe found joy and purpose in each church she attended. Her generous heart extended beyond her home through her involvement in her community. This was especially true when it came to her love of music and singing in church choirs. While at St. Francis of Assisi, Lupe was a proud supporter of the Wildcats, a member of the Girls Club and played 16-inch Softball with the "Cobras". While at St Ann (18th Place & Leavitt) Lupe was a member of the Mother's Club, helped out with Bingo, served on many committees and always volunteered to work the kitchen at the parish Festival, St. Joseph Table and many other events. She was affectionately known as "the beggar from St. Ann" for seeking donations from vendors and restaurants for parish events. Lupe also assisted in introducing the devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe at both St. Ann and St. Rene Goupil Parishes.

Lupe delighted in the simple pleasures that brought people together like cooking, music and dancing, often brightening the moment with a gentle humor that those around her have come to treasure.

Visitation will be held at Mount Auburn Funeral Home, 4101 South Oak Park Ave, Stickney, IL 60402, on November 4, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held at St Rene Goupil Catholic Church (Two Holy Martyrs Parish), 6949 W 63rd Pl, Chicago, IL 60638, on November 5, 2026, at 11:00 am. Family & Friends can gather at Mount Auburn Funeral Home at 8:30 a.m. to follow in procession to church.

Interment will be private.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountAuburnFuneralHome.com for the ALMENDAREZ family.