Lourdes Mary Fortune

Monday, July 31, 2023, our beloved Mother, Lourdes Mary Fortune, departed from our presence and entered into the greater kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On that day, Lourdes passed away peacefully at her San Diego home early in the morning before dawn. She endured 94 years of life love, and despair. Lourdes was born and raised in the small pueblo of Guantanamo, Cuba on March 12, 1929, to Thomas and Gladys Gomez. Lourdes’ siblings, each preceding her in death were sister’s Ena, Lily, Myrtle, and brother Roy.

In her youth, Lourdes completed high school speaking both Spanish and English. She trained in the French “couture” style of seamstress design that helped establish her as a skilled dressmaker developing a specialty in fine clothing and bridal gowns. This was oftentimes a delight for her to recall and fondly remember events with pride and accomplishment.

Lourdes was married for over30 years to the late George Edward Fortune (1923-1987). The two met in Guantanamo Cuba where she worked as a strikingly beautiful young clerk at the Base Exchange. Many fond accounts from mom spoke of dad “loitering” near her workstation attempting to gain favor and attraction.

George’s persistence and determination paid off as were they eventually married. While still in Cuba Lourdes gave birth to three children, Larry who died as an infant, Regina, & Dale. Lisa, the fourth and youngest was born several years later in Hawaii. There the family lived in paradise for 13 years before moving to San Diego.

Over the many decades in the workforce Lourdes served as a cashier, clerk, and bookkeeper for the navy exchange and commissary stores. Her career stretched from Cuba, across America to Hawaii, and finally to our home in San Diego. She retired from government service in 1997 and began a new venture working with other seniors in Encinitas CA., Glenner Center.

Two of the proudest moments of life occurred when she passed her naturalization test and became a United States citizen. The other event was when she sponsored her youngest sister Lily out of Cuba into America; a reunion that ended 30 years of separation.

Over the years Lourdes evolved into a resilient military wife, mother, and employee--amidst her husband’s many long and frequent deployments during the Vietnam conflict.

She took care of her family, her children and her household while also supporting her husband’s war time efforts. She has always been strong and learned to manage and endure many of life’s circumstances. We are indebted to her faithfulness in caring for her family, and we will be forever grateful.

Lourdes (indeed) was faithful to the Lord and always provided a helping hand to her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Lourdes was a member of Linda Vista Second Baptist Church in San Diego. There she served as an usher and auxiliary board member. She joyfully affirmed her belief in Jesus Christ, and did so by loving God, her family, and others.

Lourdes leaves to cherish her precious memories to her three children, Regina, Dale, Lisa, and daughter in law Chandra, five grandchildren D’Janay, Tianya, Rajah, Devin and Korey, five great grandchildren including Arthur, Jade, Vincent and Malachi (aka Rocket); along with a host of beloved nieces' nephews, friends and extended family.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for Lourdes. Her 94 years of life inspired so many experiences that positively affected future generations.

Mom we will love and miss you until we meet again.....