Maria "Lupita" Guadalupe Almeida

Maria Guadalupe “Lupita” Almeida, a longtime resident of San Diego, California, was called to be with the Lord on June 13, 2023. Surrounded by her family and loved ones during an unseasonably gloomy summer, the clouds broke open to reveal a beautiful sunset when God called his angel home.

Born to and survived by Feliciano Gonzales Sandoval and Maria Guadalupe Villegas on November 10, 1968 in Paradise Valley Hospital, National City, California, she remained a lifelong resident of San Diego. Lupita remains a loving mother to her four boys; Frank (Ashley), Daniel, Samuel and Nikolas; a proud grandmother to her only granddaughter, Eden; a devoted wife to Jose Manuel Almeida and the sole sister to her five brothers: Guillermo, Alejandro, Armando, Eduardo and Miguel Sandoval. In addition to her immediate family, Lupita was an extraordinary godmother to many nephews and nieces and a dear friend to many.

Lovingly known as Lupita, she was raised in paradise hills surrounded by her brothers and the neighborhood homies who always looked out for her during her youth. Lupita was an extraordinary woman and a devout Catholic, attending services regularly at Santa Sophia Catholic Church where she met her husband, Joe, and lived her final years doing what she did best – taking care of her family and hosting the most incredible get togethers. Lupita will always be remembered for her kind smile, her famous potato salad, the helping hand she offered to anyone in need, her impeccable gift-wrapping skills and her humble heart. Our Lupita would light up any room she was in, and this was a gift that was recognized early on as evidenced by her Prom Queen title she received while attending Samuel F. B. Morse High School.

From prom queen to dancing queen (her favorite song that was sung and danced to in her final hours and always brought a smile to her face) she always faced her trials and tribulations with bravery. Lupita fought to make every day count and left a reminder to anyone that crossed her path that life is precious and meaningful. She could turn the most difficult times into a celebration simply by turning on a 90’s romantic comedy and adding her commentary.

To say Lupita will be missed is an incredible understatement. No words could ever capture how much she meant to so many, nor could we ever articulate all the lives she touched. Lupita will forever remain in the hearts of all of those who were blessed enough to know her.