Lupe Puerta Musgrove

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Alfred Musgrove, who passed away on December 22, 2020, and her sister, Lillian Baros, who passed away in 2001. Lupe is survived by her son, Alfred Musgrove, and his wife, Theresa; her daughter, Allison Waczek, and her husband, Thomas. She is cherished by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Lupe is also survived by her two brothers, Ascension "Chon" Puerta (Gloria) and Jack Puerta; her three sisters, Sylvia "Pat" Rico, Diane Puerta, and Cathie Ybarra (Robert); as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and generations of extended family members who will miss her deeply.

Lupe dedicated 18 years of her life to working at the DMV, a job she truly loved. She also worked at San Diego City College for many years prior in the Work Experience Department, where she helped connect students with employment. Before that, she held various roles, including serving as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, and pursued various hobbies, such as selling Sarah Coventry jewelry.

Those who knew Lupe will remember her deep love for books and politics. If she discovered a political book, she would devour the contents and often buy multiple copies just to share with others. Her enthusiasm for literature was only rivaled by the joy she found in tending to her yard and collecting keepsakes. Those who visited were always greeted with the soundtrack of classic films, which were a particular joy for her. She especially loved epic movies starring Charlton Heston and John Wayne, and she delighted in sharing these timeless films with her family.

Lupe was a unique and remarkable woman. Although she valued her privacy and quiet moments, she was always there when someone needed her help. Whether family or not, she would lovingly adopt you as her own to help in any way she could. In this way, she grafted many into her family, just as Jesus has done for us.

Her warmth and boundless generosity shone most brightly in her role as a grandmother. She never missed an opportunity to be there for her grandchildren, attending their sporting events, recitals, and music performances with encouragement, pride, and joy. Lupe's commitment extended beyond support at events as she volunteered at their schools and ensured her grandchildren always returned home safely.

Most importantly, Lupe had a steadfast love for the Lord and knew Jesus Christ as her Savior. Her greatest legacy was sharing this love and faith with her children and grandchildren, who continue to carry on the faith she inspired through her unwavering devotion.

As we mourn her passing and face some of life’s deepest questions about existence, purpose, and the mysteries of life and death, she would want us to be comforted by these words:

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

— 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV)

As she is now truly in the presence of her Creator, she will be deeply missed, remembered fondly, and cherished forever.