Mrs. Lupe Sabala Martinez
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Lupe's obituary
Lupe Sabala Martinez, 89, a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away on April 9, 2026.
Born on November 24, 1936, in Gering, Nebraska, Lupe was the daughter of Jose and Martina Sabala, who had migrated from Mexico to Texas to establish roots in America before her birth. In her early years, she was known as a tomboy. Her older brother, Freddy, taught her how to box, shoot, use a slingshot and fish- skills that she enjoyed learning.
The Sabala family later formed close bonds with her future husband’s family- the Martinez family- in Nebraska, where they lived together and supported each other through difficult times. Both families shared histories shaped by migration, agricultural labor, and a deep sense of responsibility to their loved ones as new immigrants building a life in America.
Lupe’s parents eventually moved to Sacramento, California, in search of more agricultural work, traveling from farm to farm as many families did during that era.
Lupe met her future husband, Lupe Martinez, through her older brother, Jessie. Their families had known each other for years, and their connection developed as she grew up. When he entered the military at age 20 during the Korean War, Lupe’s sister in law, Socorro, taught her how to read and write in Spanish so she could write him while he was overseas. Both exchanged letters and as a result, their bond grew.
Lupe married her beloved husband on June 5, 1955, in a grand ceremony. They shared nearly 64 years of marriage until his passing in March 2019. Together, they built their life in Sacramento, first in North Sacramento and later settling in Oak Park, where they raised their eight children. In her 50s, she extended her caregiving beyond her home by working part-time supporting elders through the Sacramento County Welfare Department.
Lupe will be remembered as a deeply devoted Catholic matriarch whose faith guided the way she cared for her family. She prayed faithfully over her family and instilled strong values that continue to live on through her legacy. She will be remembered for her love of cooking in the kitchen, rolling tortillas and her devotion to her family. Her grandchildren will remember both her joyful spirit and strong farm-girl roots when letting them shoot BB guns at pigeons. As the last of the Sabala siblings, Lupe marked the end of a generation while leaving behind a powerful legacy of love and family values.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Lupe Martinez; her son David Martinez; her siblings, Nathaniel Sabala, Amado Sabala, Victor Sabala, Tony Sabala, Jesse Sabala, Freddy Sabala and Lucy Sabala Diaz.
Her legacy is survived by her children: Daniel Martinez, Elizabeth Esparza (Francisco), Marie Lealuez (David), Robert Sr. Martinez (Annette), Raymond Martinez, Julie Martinez and Mark Martinez (Lina).
Grandchildren: Salvador Lopez (Lydia), David Martinez Jr, Jessie Lopez (Shannah), Jennifer Martinez (Andres), Callista Fajardo (Noé), Angelina Edson (Josh), Christina Martinez, Raymond Martinez Jr. (Sabrina), Antoinette Lealuez, Robert Martinez Jr. (Kayla), Ginina Ramirez (Robert), Patricia Martinez, Sara Martinez Ragan (Bobby), Michael Martinez (Mariana), Larissa Carbajal (Paul), Angela Martinez, Aneesa and Joshua Diaz.
Great-grandchildren: Salvador Lopez Jr. , Alexandra Lopez, Christian Lopez, Gabriel Lopez, Cecilia Long (Isiah), Jessica Lopez (Julian), Dominic Lopez, Adrianna Lopez, Emily Malas, Aiden Malas, Corena Torres, Aricia Torres, Joseph Gomez, Jacob Gomez, Natalie Fajardo, Crystal Fajardo, Tommy Deorason, Isiah Martinez, Jazmine Martinez, Laelia Martinez, Robert III Martinez Jr., Alucia Martinez, Miles Martinez, Xavier Martinez, Alina Martinez, Ruby Martinez, Victoria Martinez, Michael Martinez III, Ollivander Carbajal, Isabel Martinez, Manuel Martinez, Gabrielle Martinez, Emiliano Martinez, Olivia Martinez, Noah Martinez, Leo Martinez, Lucas Ramirez, Suzanna Ramirez, Leilani Ragan and Isabella Ragan.
Great-great-grandchildren: Lessandro Lopez, Cedro Lopez, Christian Lopez Jr., Andrew Lopez, Jaylin Long, Ceralina Long, Amelia Hess and Julieta Huerta Martinez
On April 24th, a viewing (9AM), rosary (10:30AM) and Catholic Church Mass (11AM) will be held at St. Charles Borromeo (7584 Center Pkway Sacramento, CA 95823). Burial will take place at 2PM at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Following the burial, family and friends can head to Elk’s Lodge #6 (6446 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95831).
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