Delia Lopez

Delia Lopez, 89, beloved wife and mother, passed away in her home on Friday, January 30, 2015, with many of her loved ones by her side. She was born May 20, 1925 and was preceded in death by her mother, Delfinia Anaya, in 1983, and her father, Justo Garcia, in 1931. Delia, being only six-years-old with the loss of her father, was to live a life of many challenges and perils of the era. She grew up with the responsibility of taking care of the farm and crops with her brothers on her mother's land in her beloved Los Duranes, next to the river. Delia grew up in a time where there was no running water, electricity or gas in the neighborhood. Her family was one of only a handful of families who were the first settlers of Los Duranes, where no fences, paved roads or infrastructure existed. At a very early age, she joined the war effort, becoming one of the infamous women of shipbuilders known as "The Rosies," or, better known as "Rosie the Riveter." She enjoyed 69 years of marriage with her surviving husband, Jesse G. Lopez, who was and always will be the light and love of her life - her soul mate. A working mother, she had seven children, Rebecca (deceased), Jesse Jr. (partner, Patricia Salgado), Maria (husband, Larry Crosley), Eddie (wife, Christine), Joella (husband, Michael Apodaca), Jesuscita (deceased), and Juliet (husband, Ronnie Casaus). She also raised her beloved granddaughter, Kelly Murdoch (deceased), and grandson, Michael Murdoch, as her own. Delia had six brothers, who are now deceased: Fred, Alex, Euwaldo, Rudy, Gino and Connie. Her step-father, Elisceo Perea, also precedes her in death. She leaves behind many loved ones, including her three sisters, Vitalia, Josefina and Dora; her many grandchildren, including her granddaughter, Michelle, deceased, and several great-grandchildren. She recently spent many of her days babysitting Nico, who filled her days with so much happiness and joy. Our mother's stories will live in our hearts forever as we continue to share them. We will always remember how she loved us unconditionally and how she was more concerned about our well-being than her own. She was so proud of her family. When we told her we loved her, she would always respond, "But I love you more." Our hearts have never felt heavier. Los Duranes will be a changed place for all those who were fortunate to know our loving, honest, genuine mother, wife, friend and patriot. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH - University. FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE 505-843-6333