Mary Lopez Groves, born January 19, 1920, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 5, 2024 in El Paso, Texas at the age of 104. At an early age, she and her three sisters began helping their parents with daily chores on their farm. This marked the beginning of her lifelong achievements. She graduated from Incarnate Word School (now known as Mount Carmel), Ysleta High School, and then went on to earn her teaching degree from Incarnate Word in San Antonio. She briefly taught in the San Elizario School District in San Elizario, Texas. After teaching at Stanton Elementary School in El Paso, she would go on to retire at the age of 65.
Mary served as the Cub Scout Den mother for her son Joe’s Cub Scout Den, and enjoyed assisting her cub scouts complete their projects for the various merit badges. Over the years, they demonstrated their gratitude by showering her with birthday wishes and home visits. As a devout Catholic, Mary was a member of the Hijas de Maria. She would carry and pray the rosary daily. Mary was proud of her Comanche blood and Spanish roots, and never hesitated to share her “family origins” to all who would lend an ear. Her incredible memory always included family names and various details. All these memories and an occasional joke would always put a smile on her face. After retirement, she spent her time tending the lilies, hollyhocks and rose bushes in front of her home. Many neighbors complimented the vibrant colors found in her garden.
Mary Groves was preceded in death by her beloved son, Joseph Richard Groves; sisters Josefina Casillas, Margaret Ledesma and Lillian Lopez; parents, Paz O. Lopez and Jose S. Lopez.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews and many great nieces and great nephews.
Services will be held on Friday morning, February 23, 2024 at Mount Carmel Church located at 131 S. Zaragosa Road in the Lower Valley. Visitation begins at 9:00, Rosary Service at 10:00, and Funeral Mass at 11:00. The graveside service will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Pallbearers include Ignacio Padilla, Marcos Apodaca, Rodolfo David Morales, Nicholas Morales, Rebecca Carter, Amber Valles and Evan Serrano.
We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Nora and her staff at Villas Del Sol Assisted Living for the compassionate, supportive care of our Aunt Mary.
