Obituary of Ramona Lydia Lopez

LOPEZ, Ramona Lydia "Mona" (11/4/1920 - 12/5/2017 Ramona Lydia "Mona" Garcia Lopez, who blessed and inspired all with her faith, compassion, joy, and love, returned to the Divine Source on Tuesday, December 5, 2017. She embraced family and friends with her affection and kindness, as celebrated in her favorite theme song: "The more we get together, together, together; the more we get together the happier we are. 'Cause your friends are my friends, and my friends are your friends. The more we get together the happier we are." Mona was born in Ray/Sonora, AZ on November 4, 1920. She was the daughter of Antonio Garcia of Canadas, Jalisco and Rosario Padilla of Florence, AZ. On October 20, 1940, she married Osvaldo G. Lopez at Santa Cruz Church in Tucson. Her legacy is her four generations of family. Her seven children: Fr. Vicente Osvaldo ("Ozzie") Lopez, Martha Ann Duarte (Gilbert dec.), Anthony Ray Lopez (Toni Leah Berg), Mercy Ann Valencia (Robert Sorensen), John Edward Lopez, Victor Alexander Lopez (dec.) and P. Rose Ann ("Roxie") Lopez (George Crow). She was graced with 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Steadfast in her faith, she was an active member of the Legion of Mary at St. Ambrose and a faithful pilgrim to shrines (the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe; Our Lady of Fatima; Our Lady of Lourdes; and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception). She traveled with her family far and wide, from Alaska to Hawaii, Germany, Italy and Spain. She deeply valued education and sent her children to Catholic schools and ensured they all completed their university degrees. She passionately supported the University of Arizona: volunteered as an Abuelita for the Hispano Student Center; addressed the UA Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs Convocation at age 92; served as a Librarian at the Newman Center; and worked at the College of Mines. In Phoenix, she was a bilingual-Bicultural teacher's aide in the Phoenix Union school system. For many years, she ran the family business. The patriot American that she was, she voted in every election since 1942 and was a poll watcher for most of her life. Her unconditional love for her husband, children, relatives, and friends was contagious. Inspired by her strength and passion for knowledge, her children grew up believing in the potential they had to better the lives of all they knew and loved, as their parents had. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 8650 N. Shannon Rd. Interment follows at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Rd. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the UA Hispanic Alumni Club, 1111 N Cherry, Tucson, AZ 85721. Arrangements by DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME.