Maria Guadalupe (Ruiz) Pecero, intimately known as "Lupita" or "Nena" by her family and friends; passed away peacefully on May 25, 2019 at the age of 87. She was born here in Corpus Christi, Texas on June 4, 1931 to the late Sabino and Maria Ruiz. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend; now our Guardian Angel.
As a child the Holy Catholic Church played a great role in her life, attending catechism classes at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. This lead Lupita to have great trust in God. She in turn taught her children this same faith, to never doubt, to be strong, loyal, independent and caring. She devoted her life to her family, always willing to put their needs before her own.
As an employee, she dedicated many years of service to F.W. Woolworth and Ray's Restaurant, feeding hundreds of people daily. Later in life she chose to give up her public works to take on the full time job as a caretaker for her mother Maria Guadalupe, while bedridden. She would faithfully serve in this role for 10 years, providing for her every need, until her mom was called home. As a mother to her own children she provided unfailing love and support. She could warm any kitchen with the food she cooked or the sweets she baked; we can still smell the fresh tamales steaming on the stove top. As a grandmother she expressed each day that one of her greatest joys in life were her three babies, they were the center of her world; the light of her life. They brought her so much pride and happiness. As a friend she was a kind and gentle soul, providing a shoulder to cry on or simply a helping hand to those in need. Some of her best days were found outside either tending to her flowerbeds or gardening; she truly had what some would call a green-thumb. With an innate desire to protect all life she began fostering cats and dogs. She formed a genuine bond with these animals where each party knew of the love the other provided. As the ailments of her older age set in she had to readjust to a slower life, yet this would not bring her down in spirit.She grew fond of games shows like the Price is Right, but her all time favorite was the Wheel of Fortune; which she watched religiously! Till the very end she would tell of her desire to work, if she could. She now tends the Lord's garden.
Our mother was the true definition of selfless, compassion and courage; this legacy she has bestowed upon us will live in our hearts forever.
She is preceded in death by her brother Andres Ruiz, Sr.; sister-in-law Josefina F. Ruiz; nephew Andres F. Ruiz, Jr.; and both of her parents.
Lupita leaves behind, to cherish her memories, son: Jay Pecero, daughter: Janie Ruiz Almeida; grandchildren: Alisha Marie Pecero-Apple (Alex), Ruben Almeida, Jr. (Kaitlin), Carlos Almeida; nieces & nephews: Josephine (Orlando) Narvaez, Irene Lugo, Terry Ceballos, Elsa (Glen) Graham, Angelitia (Oscar) Vasquez and Alfredo (Martha) Ruiz; daughter at heart: Cindy Barron, grandsons at heart: Danny Hoskins, Matt Martinez; numerous other loving members of the family and countless friends whom she adored.
Public Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at Guardian Funeral Home Chapel B with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. that evening. Visitation will resume at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 1322 Comanche St., with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m.
Floral arrangements should be sent to Guardian Funeral Home. All services will conclude at the church.