Jose G. Ayala

José G. (Lupe) Ayala was born on December 12, 1952, in Usulután, El Salvador, to Odilón Cortez and Rosalía Ayala. On January 26, 2025, José peacefully passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and an indomitable spirit. A devoted husband, José married the love of his life, Elvia, in February 1974. Their love story blossomed into a beautiful family with daughters Mirna and Evelin, born before José courageously immigrated to the United States in 1974. Settling in Washington, DC, José discovered his passion for cooking while working in restaurants—a passion that transformed into a lifelong vocation. His culinary journey flourished with the birth of their daughter Bessy in 1976, and continued as their family grew with sons Tony and Alex between 1979 and 1980, and their youngest, José Jr., in 1982. José's life was a testament to hard work and dedication. In 1981, he reunited his family in the U.S., moving to Maryland, where his dream of homeownership came true in 1988 with the purchase of their Hyattsville home. That same year marked another milestone—the opening of La Frontera Cantina, a family-run restaurant opened in partnership with his brothers, where José served as head chef, sharing his culinary talents and vibrant spirit with the community. His daughters often joined him in the kitchen, learning cherished family recipes, while his sons absorbed his unwavering work ethic and commitment to providing for his family. José's love for soccer was a passion rooted in his childhood, where he spent countless hours playing in his homeland. This love for sports was something he joyfully shared with his children, fostering their appreciation for the game and the camaraderie it brings. José's faith was a cornerstone of his life. On May 8, 2004, he symbolized his dedication to Jehovah, serving faithfully until his final days. José was preceded in death by his parents, Odilón Cortez and Rosalía Ayala, and his beloved grandchildren, Leo Asher and Nayita Carolina Ayala. His memory lives on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Elvia; daughters Mirna, Evelin, and Bessy Hopkins (Reggie); sons Alex (Yeni), Tony, and José Jr. (Belinda); sisters Olimpia, Olinda (Francisco), and Berta; brothers Teofilio (Blanca), Santos (Josefina), Nelson (Maria), and Moris (Dilma); and his treasured grandchildren, Yasmeen Ayala, Victoria Spriggs, Terrie Ayala, Vanessa Spriggs, Tien Coney, Romel, and Gavin Ayala, along with his great-granddaughter, Aubriella Wood. He also leaves behind a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends. José was a go-getter, a man whose heart swelled with pride for his children, each holding a special place in his heart. His joy was found in simple yet profound moments—teaching them the art of his favorite recipes, guiding them with lessons in hard work and perseverance, sharing his culinary creations with family and friends, and bonding over his love for sports. His legacy is one of love, dedication, and the precious memories he created in both the kitchen and the hearts of those who knew him.

Tributes

Jose G. Ayala

January 10, 1953 - January 26, 2025