Andrea "Andy" Lopez

Andrea Casimira Lopez, affectionately known as "Andy," was born on April 5, 1941, in Chamisal, New Mexico. She lived a life imbued with kindness, humility, and an unwavering faith in God, which she carried through her last breaths on January 23, 2026.

She was married to her beloved husband, Erminio Lopez, on June 4, 1960, at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Chamisal. Andy was a loving and devoted wife and mother to her 7 children. Her devotion to her family was boundless, and she took immense pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family brought her great joy, and she created nurturing and unique bonds with each one of them that will forever be cherished.

She shared a unique relationship with all her grandchildren, often enlisting her younger grandchildren to help when she found herself stuck on a level of Candy Crush Saga, a game she enjoyed and played with great enthusiasm. Her children humorously remark that no one could surpass her level. She often enjoyed playing board games and card games with them when they visited. She also had her own unique bond with her adult grandchildren, sharing many of her recipes with them and sending memes, jokes, photos, or words of wisdom through text. She never forgot a birthday and all her grandchildren would look forward to finding a birthday card in the mail from Grandma Andy.

Andrea was a lifelong member of the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon for several years. Her faith in God guided her life, evidenced by the way she interacted and treated others. She read her Bible daily and as her children were growing, she always ensured that they accompanied her to every Sunday service.

Education was a journey that Andy valued deeply. She was a proud graduate of McCurdy High School in May 1959. Later in life, after raising kids, and while in her profession, she had an opportunity to go back to school to further her learning and earned an associate's degree from Northern New Mexico Community College in May 1993. She was immensely proud of this achievement, a testament to her lifelong commitment to education.

For two decades, Andy dedicated herself to the Penasco School District as a Librarian Assistant, where she inspired the minds of countless students. Many still fondly remember her as “The Library Lady.” Known for her sweet spirit and selflessness, she touched the hearts of everyone she met, always ready to share a listening ear or a comforting word. After her retirement from the school, she went on to become a caregiver for many years, further showing her desire to put others' needs before her own.

Her family looked forward to her cooking! Andy often prepared her children and grandchildren's favorite meals, filling their hearts and stomachs with love through her dishes. From making fresh tortillas every day, to whipping up traditional New Mexican recipes like red chile, beans, or menudo, her kitchen was a sanctuary of warmth and delicious aromas. She loved making pastelitos and empanadas that created lasting memories for all who gathered around her table.

Andrea leaves behind a legacy of love as she is survived by her devoted husband, Erminio Lopez; children, Anita Lucero (David), Michael Lopez, Abe Lopez (Loretta), Henrietta Duran (Leroy), Patricia Lopez, Lucas Lopez (Christy), and Rebecca Archuleta (Diego); grandchildren, including Andreana (James), Fermin (Chere), John (Anna), Jazmine (Jotham), Hope, Jennae, Noah (Jocelyn), Nick, Erica, Kimberly, Lynette (Sammy), Daniel, Maggie, Lina, Joey, Ariana and Natalia; as well as 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Her siblings, Edwin Dominguez (Shirley), Victor Dominguez. (Geneva), and Dan Dominguez (Marlyn), along with many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will also hold her memory close.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Maggie Dominguez; her daughter-in-law, Tina Pool-Lopez; and her great-grandson, Alexavier Lucero.

A “celebration of life” memorial service will be held on February 6, 2026, at 10:00 am, at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Penasco, NM.

As we remember Andrea Casimira Lopez, we celebrate a beautiful soul, a loving mother, a nurturing grandmother, and a trusted friend. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her warmth and kindness. She leaves behind a world that is better for having had her, and she will forever be missed and cherished.