Refugia "Nena" LOPEZ

1939 - 2014

LOPEZ, Refugia "Nena"

Our beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend Refugia (Nena) Lopez, 75, passed peacefully from this earth to her place above on Mother's Day, May 11, 2014.

Born in Austin, Texas on February 6, 1939, Nena, which was her preferred nickname, was preceded in death by her mother Felipa Martinez, father Efren Regalado, sister Margaret Regalado, and husband of 45 years Sylvester Lopez

She is survived by her loving family: children Connie Lopez, Steve Lopez, Michael Lopez, John Lopez and their loving spouses Clifford, Tina and Linda; siblings Martin Martinez Jr., Felipe Martinez, Esther Porter, Anita Luna, Janey Martinez and their wonderful spouses Mary Jane, Joel and Rita; grandchildren Selena, Richard, Gregory, Mickael, Mark, Sara, Anthony, Joey, Ciara, and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Jayden, and Carter; as well as a circle of extended family and friends whom she genuinely loved and was so very thankful for.

Nena had a love and devotion for family that was second to none. Growing up as the oldest of seven children, she dutifully took on the role of caretaker and guide early in life. Even after a serious car accident in the 1960's which forever limited her physical capabilities, she channeled all her energy and love into raising her children. The life lessons she exemplified and tried to instill were: 1. By sticking together, we could overcome any obstacle, and 2. Always prioritize the love and well being of the children so that they can have a chance to do better than the previous generation.

Nena was happiest when spending time with her loved ones to share past memories as well as the creation of new ones while celebrating milestones and accomplishments. It is at these future gatherings when we will miss her smiles and laughter the most. While it pains us greatly to physically lose her, we are comforted knowing that she is finally at peace and that she has left us a wealth of memories, stories, and shared values that live on in us from this day forward. She is in our hearts forever.

The Lopez family also wish to thank the supportive professionals at Odyssey Hospice and Texas Home Health Hospice for their knowledge and support, as well as the wealth of information at the Alzheimer's Association website alz.org.

Visitation at the Angel Funeral Home for the family begins May 14 at 10 a.m. Friends visitation begin May 14 at 12 noon till 9 p.m. Official prayer service begins May 14 at 7 p.m. Burial is May 15 at 10 a.m. at Assumption Cemetery.