Obituary of Guadalupe M. Perez

Guadalupe M. Perez (Olguin), affectionately known as “Mama” to her entire family, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2021, in her home in Salinas, CA, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born November 5, 1929, in El Barretal, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She married Simon Olguin and they immigrated to the United States, settling in Peñitas, Texas in 1945. She was employed as a field worker and as a seafood factory worker. She moved, with her family, to California in 1966, first residing in Hollister, then later Salinas. Guadalupe continued her employment as a cannery worker in the tomato and artichoke industries. She worked hard to provide for her family, later deciding to retire at the age of 64. One of Guadalupe’s proudest accomplishments was becoming a United States citizen in 1982.

Mama loved spending time with her family, dancing to Tex-Mex music and Huapango songs, and sipping on her favorite margarita drink. She embraced her role as a grandmother, taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and often treating them to her delicious cooking and homemade tortillas. She was a warrior of a women, hardworking, outspoken, full of life, and one of a kind. She truly embodied love and strength, and has left behind a wonderful legacy.

She is survived by her 9 children: Martina Cruz, Joe Olguin, and his wife Elma, Mike Olguin and his wife Raquel, Anna Guajardo, Janie Anchondo and her husband Mike, Juan A. Olguin, Maria Guadalupe Olguin-Leon and her husband Carlos, Sylvia Olguin, Simon Olguin Jr. and his wife Heidi, 32 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by Simon Olguin, Romualdo Perez, her mother Dolores Lugo, great-grandchildren James Aguirre Jr., and Jason Peter Aguirre.

Visitation will be held at Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Rd, Salinas, CA, on Monday February 1st, 9: 30a.m - noon, followed by a private burial at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.