Carmen M. Lopez

Carmen Magallanes Lopez was born on Jan. 23, 1947, in Quemado, Texas, to Dolores Gonzales Magallanes and Herminio Magallanes.

The eldest of seven siblings: Carmen, Magdalena, Herminia, Guadalupe, Juan Jesús, José Luis and Marco Antonio. She spent her early years working alongside her family in the fields surrounding Quemado. Carmen often shared fond memories from her youth, telling stories of long summer days, snakes in the trees, and the many adventures of her siblings and early childhood days.

In the 1960s, Carmen moved to Chicago to work with her Tía Tencha at the Reyes Café on the corner of Old Western and Canal Street. Known as the "best server in town," Carmen's warmth and energy made her a beloved face of the café. It was there that she met Napoleon Calderon Lopez, who quickly became a frequent visitor, and on Oct. 21, 1962, they were married. Carmen and Napoleon settled in Harvey, Ill., where they began raising their three children: Reyna, Juanita and Santiago. Her children fondly recall her strong work ethic, her devotion to family, and her unwavering commitment to service. Carmen and Napoleon were instrumental in their support to many immigrants in a trying time in the U.S.

In 1978, the Lopez family relocated to Stevensville where their home, just across from St. Joseph South Catholic Church "The Annex," became a welcoming place for family and friends alike. Carmen quickly became a beloved member of the St. Joseph Parish community, greeting parishioners every Sunday with her warm smile and kind words. Carmen's care was felt as she served as a Certified Nurse's Assistant from 1984-92. Carmen spent many long days caring for the elderly of Southwest Michigan providing them with companionship and support. A continued reflection of her care for her community. In 1980, Carmen helped establish a Rosary Group that continues to bring the faithful together more than 40 years later. From 1985-2005, she also organized and hosted the annual Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta at St. Joseph Parish, a celebration that reflected her deep faith and love for her culture. Through prayer, service and hospitality, Carmen touched countless lives and built lifelong friendships.

Of all her accomplishments, Carmen's greatest pride was her family and the love that bound them together. Carmen was preceded in death by her husband, Napoleon Lopez; her son, Santiago Lopez; her parents: Dolores and Herminio Magallanes; her siblings: José Luis Magallanes and Guadalupe Mayorga; her grandson, Jacob Thomas Grover; and numerous tías and tíos.

She is survived by her siblings: Magdalena Gonzalez, Herminia Magallanes, Juan Jesús Magallanes, and Marco Antonio Magallanes; her daughters: Reyna Chavez and Juanita Lopez; her grandchildren: Reyna Delfina Chavez, Sara Chavez, Antonio Grover, Rebecca Chavez, Daniella Grover, Zachary Calderson, Victoria Chavez, Rachel (Lupe) Grover, David Chavez, and Margaret (Sofi) Grover; and her great-grandchildren: Alexander, Noah, Erik, Lucille, Sara Bella and Ezara.

Carmen's life was filled with love, laughter, and faith. She leaves behind a legacy of family, friendship, and community, a legacy that continues to bloom through the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be forever remembered and forever loved.

A mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday at the church with a rosary recited at 10:30 a.m.

Inurnment will be in Lincoln Township Cemetery in Stevensville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please donate to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Those wishing to share a memory of Carmen online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.