Mary "Maria" (Orona) Lopez

Mary V. (Orona) Lopez, 81, “Maria” passed away Feb. 2, 2023. A proud Salt Creek resident, was born Aug. 4, 1941, to Frank and Ruth (Byrd) Orona Sr. who precede her in death along with siblings, Daniel Orona, Edward Orona, Frank (Maxine) Orona Jr., Virginia (Stanley) Gutierrez; Tio, Alex Orona, numerous aunts and uncles; nephew, Randy Roldan; great nephews, Brandon Coggins, Robert Gonzales, Corey Coggins, Carlos Sandoval; and great-niece, Sarah Ruth Gutierrez

“Senora Maria” and “Senora Lopez” as she was affectionately known to all who met her and those who loved her led a life of service and was an endless spiritual warrior to all she encountered.  She was our beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and teacher.

At the tender age of 13 she dedicated her life of service to God and the Catholic Church and became our Sister Mary of the Benedictine Order in South Dakota.   This was the beginning of her selfless journey that started in Salt Creek and ended up in Guatemala as a missionary carrying God's Word and faith to the indigenous people.  We are sure they saw a light in her that we came to know as we grew up around her.  She dedicated her life to the people in Guatemala for over 30 years.  This ministry exposed her to poverty, humbleness and above all God’s love. This experience set her life course of service to others.   

After her years of missionary work in Guatemala, Mary returned to the states with her husband Victor Lopez. Now as a lay person with all the experiences from Guatemala, Mary was prepared to answer her second calling in life as a teacher. She was the Religious Education Director at her beloved St Joseph’s and St. Leander Parish. She taught religious education at St. John Neumann for many years. Mary also taught Spanish throughout Pueblo, teaching at St. John Neumann, The Connect School & Pueblo Community College.

She became a powerful voice of Catholic conversion for many people.  Coming back to Salt Creek and St. Joseph Catholic Church completed a full circle from where she began.

Through Mary’s faithful work with the religious education programs, she oversaw thousands of baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, and funerals. She also taught many people English as their second language. Everyone she encountered became a better person not because of her kindness alone but because of her acceptance and appreciation of their life.  Countless people in Guatemala and Pueblo owe their Catholic Faith to her directly and that influence will impact generations to come.  That is her true legacy. 

Mary is survived by; her loving husband, Victor Lopez; siblings, Stella (Frank) Romero, Phyllis (Timothy) Roldan; sisters-in-law, Lucille Orona and Elsa Ibanez; step-sons, Jugo Lopez and Victor Obed Lopez Jr.; nieces and nephews, Eddie (Paula) Gutierrez, Vangie Guerra, Anthony (Cathy) Gutierrez, Louis Gutierrez, Lorraine (Josh) Boddie, Linda (Dean Holcomb) Orona, Rudy (Maggie) Orona, Joey (Megan) Romero, Chris Romero, Raymond (Christi) Romero, Kathleen (Neal) Newton, Lisa Romero, TJ Romero, Karla Romero, Valerie (AJ) Rodriguez, Trudy (Chris) Pacheco, Russel (Cindy) Orona, Richard (Kim) Orona, Cheryl (Rick) Coggins, and Brian Roldan; God-children, Macaria Coggins; 41 great- nieces and nephews; many family members, friends; community of St. Joseph and Salt Creek Communities. Special “Thank You” to neighbors, Andy Cortez, Vince (Susie) Kayitah, Handyman Harold Trujillo, and Rayna & Lottie Sandoval.

The kindness, love and admiration given by all to Mary is profoundly recognized and sincerely appreciated, Muchas Gracias!

Rosary, 3p.m.  Sunday Feb. 12, 2023. Mass of Resurrection 10a.m. Mon. Feb.13, 2023. Both at St. Joseph Catholic Parish. Online condolences at www.angeluspueblo.com