1937 – 2024
Ventura - Lupe Valenzuela Saldivar joined our Heavenly Father on August 15, 2024, at 87.
She was a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother.
Lupe Saldivar, was born Mary Guadalupe Valenzuela on May 13, 1937 to Carlos and Juanita Valenzuela. Lupe was an eighth-generation Ventura native. Her family is well documented in Tortilla Flats, a commemorative legacy project that honors and celebrates the history and culture of the former neighborhood of Tortilla Flats in Ventura. The Old Mission Basilica San Buenaventura was the cultural and social center of her family’s life, as they were devout Catholics.
Lupe was raised in a small house on Ventura Avenue, one-half block from Main Street in Downtown Ventura; the family then moved to Poli Street. She was the third of four siblings, all girls. Growing up, the four sisters were close and had a strong reverence and love for their mother and father, Juanita and Carlos. They loved watching movies, and one of Lupe’s favorites was “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” which she loved to watch with her sisters, Alicia, Gloria, and Mary.
Lupe was baptized and received her First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. She attended Holy Cross School from 1st to 8th grade and went to the Academy of St. Catherine's from 9th to 12th grade, where she graduated and subsequently attended Ventura College.
Lupe married Edmund Saldivar in 1957 at the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. They had three beautiful children: Steve, Susan, and Sylvia. Lupe was a dedicated mother who instilled in her children a love of God and a strong work ethic. In 1972, she became a single mom and cared for her three children independently.
Lupe began her career at the Department of Social Services, working her way up the ladder to become a supervisor for the county welfare department. In her unit, she oversaw a team of nine people. Upon her retirement, the Department of Welfare honored her for her 27+ years of service.
With all of life’s challenges, Lupe always found a way to prevail and provide for her children. With determination, Lupe purchased a beautiful home in Ventura. She was a superhero in the eyes of her children and grandchildren; her love, strength, and generosity encouraged the strong values that continue to shape their lives.
Lupe was a great conversationalist, loved history, and was curious about people's journeys, stories, perspectives, and experiences. She was also a romantic at heart, and she loved Turner Classic Movies, dancing to big bands, and listening to jazz music and Broadway tunes.
In her last moments, Lupe was surrounded by her two loving sisters, Gloria and Mary, brother-in-law Albert, daughters Susan and Sylvia, son Steve, who spoke to his mother via cell phone, and son-in-law Brian. During the prayer vigil, Lupe’s amazing grandchildren Joshua and Alannah were by her side, thanking her for all the love she bestowed upon them and holding her hands until she journeyed to heaven. A special thank you goes to her exceptional caregivers, Isolina, Francesca, Susan, Elsa, Lyn, and Joy. Your love and care for Lupe will forever be appreciated.
Lupe was preceded in death by her mother and father, Juanita and Carlos Valenzuela, and her sister, Alicia Tarin.
Lupe Saldivar is survived by her children Steve Saldivar (Yvonne), Susan Saldivar (Brian Brosnan), and Sylvia Saldivar. She is also survived by her two sisters, Gloria Baltes and Mary Cruz, and brother-in-law, Albert Cruz. The heartbeat of her life was her grandchildren, Joshua Forman, Alannah Forman, Angie Porras, John Leon, and David Leon. Lupe also leaves many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Thank you to the remarkable staff and doctors at Ventura County Medical Center in the Intensive Care Unit Team and Palliative Care. These exceptional doctors, Dr. Macarena Basanes, Dr. Daniel Cox, Dr. Diego Oliver Monasterio, and Sonia Nikolaus (charge nurse), with their comforting words and care for our mother with such love and dignity, will always be remembered.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Holy Cross School. Her other favorite charities are St. Jude’s and Supporting Our Veterans.
Lupe was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church. The family will hold a Rosary and Holy Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church on September 26th at 10:30 AM to celebrate her extraordinary life.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.