Mary Marie Lopez

Mary Marie (Gonzales) Lopez, known affectionately as 'Maria', passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after a courageous two-year-long survivorship of cancer. She was 72 years old. Mary was preceded in death by her baby sister Socorro; her brother Ernesto Ramon Gonzales; her parents Manuel and Celia (Sena) Gonzales; her grandparents Abenicio and Josefita (Apodaca) Gonzales and Antonio and Piedad (Gonzales) Sena; her brother-in-law Warren "Dale" Peterson; and three uncles; and one aunt. She is survived by her loving daughter, Paula Lopez and son Eric Lopez; her siblings Ruben Gonzales (Cynthia), Reynaldo Gonzales (Vivian), Dolores Garcia (Alfredo Sr., deceased), Viola Gonzales (Arturo), Lawrence Gonzales (Valerie), Irma Serna (James), Evangeline Peterson (Warren "Dale", deceased), and Gerard Gonzales (Sandra); sister-in-law Anne Wheelock Gonzales; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. A lifelong resident of Santa Fe, Mary took pride in her family's deep history that spans generations. She cherished her close bonds with her family members especially her siblings. As a lifelong parishioner of Cristo Rey Catholic Church and graduate of St. Michael's High School, faith and community guided her life. Mary began working for social-service organisations at a young age. In 1986, she accepted a position at St. Elizabeth Shelter, a local homeless shelter, launching a 33-year career dedicated to serving the homeless. Maria created internship programs, managed volunteers, spearheaded new initiatives, and fostered community connections during her career. She always advocated for the homeless with humility and compassion. She retired from St. E's in 2019 after three decades of service. She is a pillar of the community who led with her heart. Mary loved her dog, adored the outdoors, lived for her garden, and relished the moments when she could admire the view of her favourite peak, The Picacho, while listening to the birds. Even after her cancer diagnosis in 2023, Mary faced treatment with courage and resilience and with a big heart continuing to care deeply for those around her. Mary is now at peace walking with the Creator, surrounded by the light of Jesus Christ, Mary, Joseph, and all the Angels and Saints. Our dear mother, leader, sister, aunt, godmother, cousin, colleague, and friend, we love and miss you. Our Beloved Mother, we Love you Always and Forever. Details regarding a celebration of Maria's life will be announced by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Maria's honour to St. Elizabeth Shelter, the Santa Fe Humane Society, The Food Depot, Cristo Rey Catholic Church or a cancer charity of the donor's choice.