Agatha (Martinez) Lopez

Agatha "Aggie" Lopez passed away unexpectedly on December 6th, 2021, at the age of 74. Aggie was a lifetime resident of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. She is survived by her husband Colonel Donald T. Lopez, Mayor of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. Daughters Debra Nilsson-Cortesi and Denise Lopez-Dixson; Son-in-laws Craig Cortesi and Matt Dixson; Grandson Max Nilsson and Granddaughter Ava Dixson; Brother Melecio Martinez and Sisters Louise Greenwalt and Elizabeth "Liz" Thompson; together with several nieces, nephews, extended family members and treasured friends.

Aggie was the daughter of Melecio and Thomasita Martinez. Soon after graduating from Valley High School in 1964 her life changed forever. At age 18 Aggie's bestfriend introduced her to her future husband and fellow Valley HIgh School Alum Donald Lopez. Aggie and Don quickly fell in love and were married on January 7th, 1967, Aggie's 20th birthday.

Aggie quickly became a mother. Debra Eileen was first. Then Donna Louise, who sadly passed just a few weeks after birth. So, it was with renewed joy when Denise Elizabeth joined the family. Aggie loved being a Mom. She would dress her daughters in the newest fashions and made sure that they always had the latest gadgets. Education was a top priority, and the girls were also active in multiple sports teams and extracurricular activities. Aggie prepared her daughters by making sure they were given every possible opportunity to succeed in life. Aggie really loved raising children and as luck would have it, she ended up helping raise many other children in the family throughout her life.

While raising kids Aggie worked part time and volunteered for every school organization possible. Aggie was passionate about education. While working as an Educational Assistant Aggie saw firsthand the inequities in childhood education along both cultural and economic lines. These inequities bothered Aggie and at the age of 46 she ran for Albuquerque Public School Board and won her election. Aggie was a hard-working member of the APS School Board from 1993-2001 and she served as APS School Board President for 2 of those years. For 8 years Aggie worked and fought to improve public education. Aggie believed that every child has great potential if only given an equal chance.

Aggie loved spending time with family and friends. She and Don were frequent hosts of various parties, most holiday get-togethers, birthday celebrations, random BBQ's and football watching parties. Aggie loved watching the children of the family grow and mature. She was so happy about all the impressive accomplishments the children of the family achieved. Aggie was most proud of her Grandchildren Max and Ava. Luckily, she was able to have spent a lot of time with them both in recent months. She most enjoyed cooking for Max and spending time each day talking or visiting with Ava. Aggie was selfless and always made sure her family had everything they needed. She will be greatly missed.

Please join us in celebrating Aggie's life on Tuesday, December 21st at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church 1860 Griegos Rd. NW Alb. NM 87107. A rosary will be recited at 10am with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00am. Interment directly after at Gate of Heaven Cemetery 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE Alb. NM 87109.