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Irene Lopez Obituary
63, of Chandler, Arizona passed peacefully on July 31, 2014. She was an educator for 40 years and recently retired as the Principal of Rose Linda Elementary in the Roosevelt School District. She was an accomplished musician and continued to share her talents in the theater as the musical director for Scottsdale's Stagebrush Theater and more recently in the Fountain Hills Theater. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Raquel Melgoza Lopez. Irene is survived by Gus Padilla, life partner; Helen Gutierrez, sister (Samuel); Rebecca Lopez-Estevez, sister (Richard) and numerous nieces and nephews. Her pet family include Mama, Buddy and Bonzo. A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Wednesday, August 6 from 6 pm to 8 pm at South Mountain High School Auditorium, 5401 South 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any animal rights organization (e.g. local humane society, The Phoenix Zoo) or Fine Art Institutions.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Irene Lopez
January 18, 2014
Carolyn Merino
March 3, 2016
You were small but mighty, Aunt Irene! Love you.
Stella Sanchez
March 2, 2016
Ms Lopez she use to be my music teacher in 1986 I never had for got her you will be missed and remembered you had a big impact 9n me
Truly Inspiring!! I Love You, Aunt Irene! God bless! XO Allyson
Allyson Gutierrez
March 1, 2016
Daniel Cooper
January 5, 2016
IRENE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND A TALENTED EDUCATOR. I WILL ALWAYS FONDLY REMEMBER HER AND HER FRIEND GUS FROM OUR DANFORTH CADRE III PRINCIPALSHIP PROGRAM. REST IN PEACE MS. LOPEZ!
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Allyson Gutierrez
April 4, 2015
Dear Aunt Irene,
Although we never met, I know all about you, as Mama Helen still speaks of you with such love. Your light will forever shine through our family, & the many lives you touched & inspired. You are truly one of God's Chosen, blessed with love, talent, & compassion you shared with so many. Now, you are a Guardian Angel in Heaven. All my love to you, Aunt Irene, Mama Helen, & Family, XxOo Allyson
Briana Maese
August 24, 2014
Ms Lopez you were a wonderful music teacher & asst. principle you were the nicest lady I've ever met I'm going to miss you dearly! Even though it's been a long time since I was at roselinda I never forgot you, you will always have a special place in my heart. May you rest in peace
Veronica Garcia
August 17, 2014
Dear Becky and aunt Helen(nanny) words are never adequate in times of sorrow . My prayers go out to you and I will always remember the joyous memories I hold dear in my heart of my dear aunt Irene.
Elizabeth May
August 12, 2014
My aunt Irene was such a special person. Always patient, kind and smiling. She will be missed by so many people. RIP Irene...you will always be remembered.
Linda L. Lopez-Cisneros
August 10, 2014
To our Beautiful Tia Irene,
If ever there were a miracle, you were most definitely ours. Your musical gifts and talents live on in my children, as they bring joy to others when they sing and play their instruments. We are proud to call you Tia Irene and even more proud to be Lopez descendants. Our love to you, Daddy John, Momma Rachel, Aunt Rachel, and especially my Dad (Poppa) Tony. Lovingly, Linda & Raymond, Devinne, Antonio & Sunny Cisneros.
Lorenzo n Sandra Padilla
August 8, 2014
Our beloved Irene <3 We will miss you much. We are heartbroken. Our condolences to the Lopez family, Gus, all family and friends. May you rest in peace in all of God's glory.
Maria Swisher
August 8, 2014
I went to Irene's Celebration of Life in Phoenix. There was love overflowing from hundreds of people. I miss my dearest friend.
Floyd Diaz
August 8, 2014
The DIAZ family is deeply saddened .Our prayers and condolences are with the family of Ms.Lopez and Mr. Padilla. ..
Angelica & Analilia Soto
August 7, 2014
We were truly saddened to hear that our beloved music teacher has passed. She was not just a teacher to us but a special person to the community. With deep remembrance in our hearts, we deliver our kindest sympathies & prayers to the family of Ms. Lopez.
Floyd Diaz
August 7, 2014
Thank you for being such a caring,charming, and wonderful person in my life. .may you play music in the heavens above.
melvena rogers
August 6, 2014
She was my music teacher for many many years.... Her love and passion will not be forgotten. She has touched and improved countless lives. She is an endless note and I'm sure heaven sounds better already... Rest easy my friend...
Anthony (Tony) Loudis
August 6, 2014
Tears are not enough, a song has to be in my heart...and the words are simple. Irene, your smile led me through some very tough times and your music brought me to the answers I looked for. Please look down on us, your greatest fans, and know you did great. I will always love you.
-Tony Loudis (KC and Springfield, Missouri)
Dora and Reynaldo Lugo and Estrada
August 6, 2014
I know you are heading to heaven to be a teacher in our heaven so all you Angels can sing a beautiful song to our heaenly father may you rest in peace.
Carolyn Merino
August 6, 2014
Aunt Irene - I hope you are having a wonderful time with Mama Rachel, Daddy John, Uncle Tony, Mom and Dad, and all the other family and friends in Heaven. You were taken too early. Your legacy lives on in the many, many people who's hearts you've touched. Rest in Peace. Love you.
Always a Teacher
D W
August 6, 2014
David Weinstein
August 6, 2014
I was only in Irene's life for just 7 years but she touched us very deeply. Each and every time we met is was always with a smile and a BIG HUG. I will miss you very much and think of you often. For a little person she WAS VERY BIG!
August 6, 2014
Dearest Angel Irene,
I am sure Michael the archangel was there to hop-shuffle-step-flap-step- stomp right along with you through those pearly gates while both of you are singing "it's a beautiful day in paradise"!!
Unfortunately I am not so sure that I will be that lucky when the time comes because I will most likely be shuffling off to purgatory for a few eons!! God Bless.
Kathy Lally-Arena
Art Chartrand
August 6, 2014
Many thoughts and good songs in Irene's spirit to all her family and friends from just an old TUTS dancer and Westport Roanoker :) She is a terrific person and a spirit that will live forever. See you later Irene :)
Valentin Valenzuela
August 6, 2014
Our condolences from me and my family to all friends, family and staff who worked with her. God bless you and may you rest in peace.
Christopher Hatch
August 6, 2014
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
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