In Loving Memory of Maria Esperanza Villarreal Lopez
Devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Educator and Friend
With profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Maria Esperanza Lopez, who entered eternal rest on September 10, 2025, at the age of 98.
Born on January 11, 1927, in Lopeño, Texas, to her beloved parents Daniel and Rutilde Villarreal, Maria was a woman of enduring strength, bold spirit, and unwavering faith. She was the radiant heart of her family and a pillar of her church community at Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully and lovingly for many years.
Maria was a lifelong learner and educator. She earned her master's degree in education from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas and dedicated her career to teaching, primarily at the fifth-grade level. Her classroom was a place of inspiration and growth, where she enriched the minds of hundreds of children. She shared her love of knowledge with her own family, ensuring that her children and grandchildren were able to pursue their educational goals.
In 1951, Maria married the love of her life, Rogerio Lopez, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership that lasted until Rogerio's passing in 2021. Maria's strength and grace continued to guide her family, even in his absence.
She is now reunited in heaven with her husband, her parents Daniel and Rutilde Villarreal, and her siblings- Guadalupe (Benilde) Villarreal, Conrado (Maria) Villarreal, Basilio (Socorro) Villarreal, Gilberto (Elida) Villarreal, and Daniel (Ofelia) Villarreal.
Maria leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and faith that will be cherished forever by her children:
daughter Cynthia Jones and her family: husband Mark, daughters Nicole Jones and Lauren Broering, son-in-law James Broering, and grandchildren Caroline, Scarlett, and Andrew Broering;
daughter Grace Dudley and her family: husband William, daughter Candace DeFratus, son Douglas DeFratus, and granddaughter Charlotte DeFratus;
son Roger Lopez and his family: wife Debbie, and children Rylan, Rowan, and Darcy Lopez.
beloved in-laws Romeo (Lydia) Lopez and Ruben (Melba) Lopez.
She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, each of whom she loved deeply as they cherished her.
Our family extends heartfelt appreciation to her caregiver, Mary Vela, whose grace and compassion brought comfort and dignity to Maria's life and especially during her final days.
Services to Honor Her Life:
Public Visitation: Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Seaside Funeral Home, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. that evening.
Mariachi Performance: Sunday, September 14, 2025, 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Visitation Resumes: Monday, September 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church, 1610 Comanche.
Funeral Service: Monday, September 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
Entombment: Monday, September 15, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Seaside Memorial Park, 4357 Ocean Drive,
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412.
Reception: Immediately following the entombment at Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church.
Maria's life was a blessing to us all, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.