Beatrice Elena López

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Beatrice Elena López, who went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. She was 82 years old.

Born on June 11, 1943, in George West, Texas, Beatrice was the cherished daughter of Adolfo Martinez Saldivar and Gregoria “Goya” Martinez Saldivar, both of whom preceded her in death. She was the devoted wife of the late Alfredo Nieto López Sr., with whom she shared 59 years of marriage.

Beatrice is lovingly remembered by her two children: Dr. Alfred López Jr. and Cindylee López, both of Mathis, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Sally Saldivar of Las Vegas, Nevada, and her children Jamie Pedraza (grandchildren: Chynna, Bianca, and Julian) and Tamie Pedraza (grandchildren: Angel, Abby, Marissa, Ever, and Edgar).

Beatrice dedicated 27 years of service as a custodian at Mathis Intermediate School within the Mathis Independent School District. A proud homemaker, she also worked as a migrant laborer in her early years, traveling across the United States to support her family. Though she completed formal education through the 6th grade, she was fluent in both English and Spanish and instilled a deep love for education in her children. Her advocacy for lifelong learning led to a legacy of academic and spiritual excellence in her family.

Above all, Beatrice was a woman of unshakable faith. A lifelong member of Iglesia Menonita del Calvario in Mathis, Texas, she came to know the Lord as a child and was instrumental in bringing her parents to Christ. Her unwavering devotion to God shaped every aspect of her life. She ministered through kindness, conversation, and care—never meeting a stranger and always eager to uplift others. Her joyful spirit and devotion to spreading the Gospel touched countless lives.

Beatrice enjoyed a variety of passions. She found great joy in singing, songwriting, reading the Bible, studying Gospel texts, and playing instruments such as the guitar, piano, and bass. Her deep love for animals was well known; she carried pet food in her car and never hesitated to feed or care for strays—whether at local restaurants, around the community, or even at the cemetery. Her cherished cats, Norman (orange) and Mary (white and gray), will especially miss her tender care.

To all who knew her, Beatrice was a radiant light—a beacon of faith, compassion, and resilience. Her warm smile, infectious joy, and Christ-like love left a lasting impact on every life she touched.

As Pastor Armando Calderon reminded us, though she will not return to us, we hold fast to the promise that we will one day go to her.

Visitation will begin at 1 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Iglesia Menonita del Calvario (Calvary Mennonite Church), where a Prayer Service will be held that same evening at 7 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Winsteads' Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cenizo Hill Cemetery.

God bless you, Beatrice Elena López—faithful daughter, devoted wife, loving mother, and a woman with the biggest, kindest heart.

Until we meet again…

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Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home. 361-547-3224 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com