Guadalupe Montoya

“My Wife, My Friend, My Protector, My Everything”

Written by Joe Montoya Jr.

Lupita, as many of her friends and family knew her, was born in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico on November 23rd, 1952. Navojoa is a town located south of the State of Sonora, Mexico. Lupe emigrated with her parents to the United States in 1969. She is the daughter of Ricardo and Adela Fernandez-Castro. She is the middle child of nine siblings, but many would say she always acted like the oldest child, keeping many in line. Lupe worked for State Farm Insurance for 39 years. When I met my Wife through one of my cousins, I knew that she was what God had in mind for me. Everything genuinely changed in my life for the positive when I met Lupita. I couldn’t wait to ask Lupita to be my girlfriend. Thankfully, she accepted to be my girlfriend and about a year later I proposed and asked Lupita to marry me during Christmas time. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I gifted her a statue or figurine that she loved and kept for so many years. I placed the engagement ring on the bottom of the figurine or statue’s feet. She was so surprised when she opened the little box at the bottom of the statue’s feet. She gave me an immediate big “Yes” and a humongous hug! We got married on August 24th, 1974, and we started our family when my Son, Jose III, was born in 1976. Three years later we were blessed with our first daughter, Anna, in 1979. At this time, we had two beautiful kids, and we were lucky and blessed to have a boy and a girl. I told Lupita that I wanted at least six kids, and she probably would have done that for our family if it weren’t for medical complications. After receiving the news that six kids would not be possible, we worked on having one more final child. We had another beautiful girl by the name of Sonia in 1982. We both love children so much since we both come from big families. My mother gave life to 10 children and Lupita’s mother gave life to 9 children. We built our home and raised our children in Tempe, where we still live now. We were very happy and our children enjoyed being together as a family. We worked hard to give our children the best life we could possibly provide. After we retired from our primary careers, my wife decided to open a daycare facility so we can give more love to other children. For 10 years plus, my Wife and I enjoyed many other children. We were so happy to see them grow up from infants all the way up to six years old. Many kids are older now, but they still keep in touch. Parents and kids still stop by the daycare just to see us and let us know how happy they are. My wife was an absolute angel working on this planet earth. She gave love to everyone she met, but she always made me feel that I was her first priority. She would always make sure I was happy, healthy, and that I was following God’s guidelines. For 46 years, we enjoyed our lives together with our three children, six grandkids, and one great grandchild. When she passed away, I was with her pleading not to leave me, but God had other plans. I know she is in a much better place now. I could see how relaxed and happy she was when she passed. She was truly at peace. I now understand why I had to stay behind. I need to take care of our children, our grandchildren, and our great grandchild. Even though our children are all grown up now and have their own families. We still have to make sure that they will be okay. I also have to continue with Lupita’s legacy at the daycare. My beautiful Wife was a heavenly soul. We had our ups and downs like any other married couple, but we always found a way to resolve any problem and come together to enjoy one another. She is my only love, and I know that I was hers. I also take comfort in knowing that she will be waiting for me to join her in eternal love. Guadalupe, I love you! Can’t wait to see you again! I love you!

Your Husband,

Jose Montoya Jr.