Luisa Caudillo Ipong

Luisa "Lucy" Caudillo Ipong was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, and friend. She passed quietly in her sleep on Feb. 4, 2022 at the age of 89.

She was born to Loreto and Rosa Caudillo on Aug.19, 1932. Lucy travelled with her family throughout the United States working as laborers harvesting crops before the family settled in Soledad, where she met her husband, Pastor Gubot Ipong, and married in 1955. Together, they had seven children: John David (Anita) Ipong, Rosa Linda (Ron) Provost, Darlene "Lollie" (Gilbert) Cabrera, Eddie (Erlinda) Ipong, Diana (John) Gonzales, Teresa (Mike) Garcia, and Martin (Rebecca) Ipong.

Later in life, Lucy went on to adopt three of her sister's grandchildren: Monica (Ken) Ipong, Manuel (Clara) Ipong, and David Ipong. She is preceded in death by her husband, Pastor; father, Loreto; mother, Rosa; sister, Severa; two brothers, Jesus and Trinidad; and daughter-in-law, Erlinda. She is survived by her brother, Esteban Caudillo; children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Lucy believed deeply in her faith and found strength in prayer. She loved spending time in the garden, sewing, crocheting, watching Mexican novelas, taking pictures with her old flashcube camera, assisting with family holiday plays, and listening to mariachi music. She enjoyed trying out new recipes and had ready taste testers in her children and grandchildren. She took great pleasure in caring for her birds, and loyal cats and dogs. She was a great storyteller and had a wonderful sense of humor. On any visit, she would share stories of her youth and reminisce of years long past.

A rosary is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2022 at Woodyard Mortuary on 395 East Street in Soledad; and a church service is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2022 at Soledad Catholic Church on 235 Main Street in Soledad. Burial to follow at the Soledad Cemetery.

Published in Salinas Valley Tribune · February 14, 2022