Dora Lopez

Dora was born in 1938 in beautiful Costilla, New Mexico. She moved to Albuquerque at age 13 and met the love of her life, Meliton Lopez, when she was just 15 years old. Ready to begin writing her amazing love story, she married him one year later. Her love and devotion for him is best described with scripture. "I will not leave you or turn back from following you. For wherever you go, I will go". It was her steadfast commitment to him that allowed her to follow him beyond the pearly gates and to the feet of Jesus. On September 9, 2021, while earthly hearts shattered, heaven rejoiced over the homecoming of both Meliton and Dora.

Dora was everything Proverbs 31 describes: Beautiful, her worth far more precious that rubies. Trusted caretaker of her husband's heart, often taking better care of him than herself. A rejoiceful servant, continuously demonstrating her strong belief that God is good and God is faithful. Small in stature, she was a pillar of strength, always ready to tackle giants with her enormous faith. She exemplified a life clothed in strength and dignity, which allowed her to laugh without fear of the future. She carried herself with such elegance, gentleness, and meekness, eager to reflect the love of God. Dora loved her Savior with all her heart, and she treasured the word of God. She was a powerful prayer warrior and only heaven knows the eternal impact of all her many years of faithful praying.

Her family was her life's work and truest joy. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the jewels in her earthly crown. We will fondly cherish the memories of her fishing at "her" bridge in Costilla, and the way she would light up when anyone walked through her door, always ready to feed them. We will think of her each time a hummingbird flies by and remember how she loved to sit and wait for them from her back porch. Her soft-spoken voice will forever echo in our hearts.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents Eustacio and Maria Elena Vigil, her precious son David Lopez, and Grandson Adam Casuas. She leaves behind her devoted children: Billy Lopez (Vicky), Theresa Garcia (Luis), Pete Lopez (Laura), Lori Lopez, Irene Herrera (Leonard), and daughter in law Elena Chavez (Carl), as well as 12 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren who adored her. When our hearts grow heavy with sorrow, we will smile at the thought of her out-fishing her husband and take comfort knowing she is dancing on streets of gold, adorned with her heavenly crown filled with glorious stones, forever covered by the glory of God, her Shepherd, and her King.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 beginning at 3:30 pm, with a viewing at 3:00 pm, at French Funeral Home located at 10500 Lomas Blvd N.E. 87112. A reception will follow the service at the NM Veterans' Memorial, located at 1100 Louisiana Blvd. S.E. 87108. Officiant: Rev. Luis Garcia.

Pallbearers: Robert Garcia, Christopher Lopez, Andres Lopez, Donovan Herrera, Joel Herrera and Joshua Escobedo.

Honorary Pallbearers: Aaron Lopez, Billy Jr. Lopez, and David Rios.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in memory of Meliton and Dora Lopez, to St. Jude Children's Hospital.