Maria Guadalupe Melgoza Gil

Maria Guadalupe Melgoza Gil, affectionately known as Lupe, was born on June 22, 1935, in Aguililla, Michoacán, to Ramon Melgoza and Sabina Melgoza Bonilla. She grew up in a small family and married Francisco Gil at a young age. In 1963, Lupe immigrated to the United States with her husband and their seven children, first arriving in Redwood City, California, before settling in East Palo Alto. There, she and her family worked at Tanaka Nursery on Green Street. Lupe and Francisco had nine children in total—six daughters and three sons—with seven born in Mexico and the youngest two born in the United States.

Later in life, Lupe lived in Gilroy and Los Baños before returning to Gilroy in 2000, where she remained until her passing. She was deeply proud of her large and loving family, which included two daughters-in-law, four sons-in-law, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren lovingly called her Abuelita Lupe or Mami Lupe. Lupe found joy in tending her home garden filled with flowers and fruits, preparing delicious home-cooked meals for her family, and gathering everyone together for holidays and special occasions.

Lupe passed away on February 27, 2026. She is survived by her husband, Francisco Gil, her six daughters, three sons, and her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.