Martin López Cueva
1921- 2014
 
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Martin López Cueva, 92, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, surrounded by his devoted wife of 70 years, Maria de Jesus, and their 10 loving children, Enrique, Ampelia, Natividad, Jesus, Lety, Marcos, Martin, Juan, Maria “Dubie” and Armando, many of his grandchildren, extended family and friends.
 
Martin was born on Nov. 11, 1921, in Santa Marta, Jalisco Municipio de Tecolotlan, Mexíco, to Manuel Lopez (deceased) and Marta Cueva (deceased).

Martin married Maria de Jesus on May 25, 1944. Prior to his passing they had just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
 
Martin visited California in the mid-1970s and moved his family to Upper Lake in 1978 where he worked at Seely’s Orchard until he retired.

Once retired, he was able to focus more on his garden and growing enough vegetables for his wife to store for the off-season.

Martin moved his family to the USA in search of what every immigrant searches for – a better life. His goal was to provide opportunities that he did not have.

He worked hard to provide for his family. He taught his children to be hard workers and humble. He was the center of the family with his “witty” sense of humor but what he loved the most was watching his family expand. Every grandchild was a gift to him.   
 
Martin will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Maria de Jesus; 10 children, Enrique (Irma), Ampelia (Luis), Natividad (Rosa), Jesus (Lynn), Leticia "Letty" (Joaquin), Marcos (Norma), Martin (Cristina), Juan (Renee), Maria “Dubie” (Gonzalo), Armando (Leria); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Agustin (Elvira); and many, many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his children Felipe and Antonio; brother, Jesus; sisters, Josefina and Maria; and his parents, Manuel and Marta.
 
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 801 N. Main St., Lakeport.

The family invites you to join them after Mass at the Upper Lake Cemetery at 870 Clover Valley Road, Upper Lake.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .