Esther Lopez

Esther M. Lopez passed away on April 12, 2013, visualizing meeting our Lord Jesus, and his mother, our Blessed Virgin Mary. Mrs. Lopez is survived by her husband, Lupe Lopez Jr. They were married October 10, 1953, at Immaculate Conception Church in Albuquerque. They were blessed with five children, eldest Jody L. Patterson who was deceased April 14, 2013 and husband, Willie Patterson, their two children, Diana and Jeffrey Patterson, Diana's children, Ernesto (Nesto) and Marissa Padilla, Jeffrey's two children, Jocelyn and William (Buddy) Patterson; second daughter Barbara A. Lopez and sons, Anthony Vitale and Jordan and Matthew Regenie; third daughter, Dr. Mary D. Lopez; son, Clifford J. Lopez and his son, Christopher Lopez. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Richard A. Lopez; her parents, Clifford and Nancy Morelock; her brother, Malaquias Olvera, and sister, Dorothy White. Mrs. Lopez is also survived by her sister, Priscilla and brother-in-law, Max Gonzales; her sisters-in-law, Priscilla and Esmeralda Lopez and Rosalie Muniz; comadre Stella Miller; numerous nieces and nephews including Kathy Mercer and husband, Monte Mercer who traveled several times from Texas to care for her and Jody during their illness, and Nancy Montoya and Anna Cupich who spent many hours at the hospital and Hospice and family friend, Samia Hindi. She is also survived by her much loved relatives from Colorado Mickey and Tony Espinosa and their children and grandchildren, and by her Godchildren, Orlando Olvera, Anna Cupich, Anna Christine Balderas, Michael White, Yvette Aguirre, and Brian Aguirre. Mrs. Lopez cherished her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren who called her “Abie” as they could not pronounce “Abuela” – grandmother in Spanish. She looked forward to seeing her family every chance she got. Mrs. Lopez was raised by her Aunt, Pacomia Espinosa in her early life. Together with her cousins, they relocated from Colorado to California to work in the factories to support the war effort. Mrs. Lopez babysat with children a little younger than herself while their parents worked in the factories. She rejoined her family in Albuquerque in the 1940s. She attended Washington Middle School, Albuquerque High School and graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1952. During her teens she worked in stores in Downtown Central. In her married life she worked at a company that provided music to restaurants by remote service. She saved enough money to buy their first car, a 1950 Plymouth, while her husband was in England on a three month rotation. While her husband was assigned to Sandia Base on two tours, she worked on various elections and took pride in her work. While her husband worked in D.C., she volunteered at the Ft. Belvoir Library. Mrs. Lopez and their growing family accompanied her husband on assignments to Spain, Panama and Argentina. Mrs. Lopez loved her military life and helped her husband in his career, from which he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. Mrs. Lopez and her husband were very active at the Shrine of Saint Bernadette’s church ministries. At one time, she belonged to the Altar Rosary Society, the Baptismal Ministry, the St. Vincent DePaul Ministry and was in the first appointed group of Eucharistic Ministers. She also joined and met with Bible Study groups. In Panama, she was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi. Esther enjoyed a full life with her family. She bowled in many leagues including the Grandmother League in Albuquerque. She loved the Dallas Cowboys and the UNM Lobos. She also attended many soccer games of her daughter, sons and grandchildren and great grandchildren. We miss her so much, and are so sad to see her go. On a visit by a member of the Anna Kaseman Hospice group, Regina asked Mrs. Lopez what she thought about death. Esther answered, “I am looking forward to meeting Jesus and his Blessed Mother, “The Blessed Virgin Mother.” It was said with such a profound expression in her eyes. Rosary will be recited Friday, April 19, 2013, 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas. A Communion Service will be Saturday, April 20, 2013, 9:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Road NE. Ennichement will take place Monday, April 22, 2013, 2:15 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. The Lopez Family wishes to thank the Anna Kaseman Hospice team for the wonderful care they took of Esther. Thanks also for the rapport she maintained with Dr. Joseph Lopez, Dr. Tarakji, and her primary home hospice nurse, Karen Jentzen. LOPEZ, ESTHER M. PATTERSON, JODY L. Deceased April 2013The Lopez and Patterson families are grateful to so many for the love and support during this sad period. The Shrine of St. Bernadette, St. Stephens UMC, Kaseman Hospice, and French Funerals were most helpful. Thanks to Samia, Flo (and helpers) for the reception at the church and for the reception by St. Stephens. Thanks to Shelly of Santa Fe for reception for family and friends after interment.

Esther Lopez

January 4, 1935 - April 12, 2013