Maria G. "Lupe" Salazar

Maria “Lupe” Salazar, 85, passed away on August 28, 2022, at the Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo. She was born on February 13, 1937, in Zipiajo, Michoacán, Mexico to Bernardino & Piedad (Araiza) Castro.

Lupe began her journey in the small mountain village of Zipiajo, Michoacán, Mexico. The stories that she shared about her village in vivid detail made you feel a part of her stories. When we saw it for ourselves, it was more beautiful than we ever imagined. She made us proud of our Purépecha/Tarascan culture.

Music was such a big part of her life, which made us appreciate and love music as much as she did. At any given time of the day, music was always playing in our house along with the fresh smell of one of her favorite dishes. She loved cooking and gardening which showed in her famous baked goods and gorgeous flowers. A huge joy of Lupe’s life, other than her family, was singing in Our Lady of Guadalupe Mariachi Group for decades. She was a loving and devout Catholic and was involved in many organizations and activities in the church.

Lupe always loved her children unconditionally, but at the same time was stern and implemented structure. She taught us to respect one another, love one another, and include each other because Family was everything to her.

Lupe gained a multitude of friends, whom she loved dearly. It amazed us that she knew many birthdays, anniversaries, and special events of all her friends and family.

As much as it hurt us to see her go, we are comforted knowing that the love she gave us here on earth is going to be even stronger now that she is our “Tiny but Mighty” guardian angel in heaven watching over all of us from above.

She is survived by her children, Mike (Debbie) Salazar of Hayward, CA; Fernando (Deborah) Salazar, Angelina Salazar, Bertha Salazar and Felipe (Amy) Salazar all of La Junta; 16 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; two great, great-grandchildren; one nephew; son-in-law, Cecilio Cardenas. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Andres Salazar; brothers & sisters; daughters, Mercy Cardenas & Rachel Salazar; son, Frederico Salvador.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Joseph Matitu officiating. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in La Junta. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 7, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.