Maria Guadalupe Guerrero, age 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, after an extensive battle with diabetes and heart disease.

Simply and affectionately known as “Lupe,” or “La hermana Guerrero,” by her friends and fellow Jehovah’s Witnesses, ama was simple, humble, independent, compassionate, and witty.  Compassionate in many ways, mom never met a stranger. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those who were less fortunate, even when she had little to give.  She definitely embodied Ephesians 4:32 which states in part, “become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate.”  Her compassionate trait is one she passed on to all of us.  We fondly remember the trips to Lake Casa Blanca where half of the neighborhood packed into our car (because 7 kids were not enough), the awesome tortillas de harina, and the plentiful jokes.

Affectionately referred to as “Wela” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, mom was always there to help her daughters and son with the kids.  She helped us raise them, albeit more spoiled than she raised us.  We were all grateful for ama’s adventurous spirit, except when our kids would come home to tell us their ‘wela’ allowed them to drive at the ranch, usually at the age of as soon as they could see over the dashboard.  During her younger years, ama was a member of a women’s baseball team and her throwing skills certainly came in handy when she tried to get after all her angelic children; she always hit her targets! Ever the disciplinarian, even her nieces and nephews were threatened with the, “le voy a hablar a tu tia Lupe,” and that would quickly cause everyone to settle down.  Yet, she also loved teaching her grandkids how to play catch, marbles and how to spin a top.  She enjoyed the presence of her great grandchildren; she wittingly referred to them as her “vitaminas.”

Ama’s favorite activity was the Kingdom ministry.  She enjoyed talking to others about God’s Kingdom, she never tired of it.  Her biggest gripe up until a few weeks ago was that she had not been able to go door-to-door.

We will miss our mother’s presence, sense of humor and her ability to keep us in line, even as adults.

Maria Guadalupe Guerrero was preceded in death by her parents, Maria de Jesus Cedillo and Marcial Esparza, her husband, Juan Hector Guerrero, Sr., sisters, Martina Meza, Dolores Almaguer, and Ramona Saldana.

She is survived by her brothers, Vicente Cedillo (Carmen, deceased) and Lorenzo Rafael Saldana (Asuncion, deceased).  She is also survived by her daughters, Esther Guerrero, Norma Johnson (Gabriel), Ruth Renteria (Elias), Anna Guerrero, Rosa Villalobos (Clemente), Martha S. Trevino (Ervey) and Juan Hector Guerrero, Jr. (Adriana).  Grandchildren, Gabriel Johnson Jr. (April), Paul Johnson, Tim Johnson, Jared Castro, Diego Castro, Daniela Guerrero, Elizabeth Kulykivskyi (Viktor), Alexander Speaks (Quennie), Amanda Cardenas, Ervey Lee Trevino (Priscilla), Mark Trevino, Noe A. Martinez (Lizarely Davila).  Great grandchildren:  Alani Johnson, Aziel & Hector Trinidad, Daniel, David, Viktoria and Anya Kulykivskyi, Myla Sky Trevino, Rosalie Madeline and Sophia Martinez.

She is also survived by many other nieces, nephews and relatives.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our mother’s physicians, nurses and dialysis team and to mom’s primary caregiver, our sister, Esther Guerrero.

A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, July 18, 2019, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.  A talk will be held at 7:00 pm.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr, Laredo, TX 78041, (956)723-3611. You may leave condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com