Evangelina Lopez

Evangelina Lopez passed away at the age of 88, just a few days short of her 89th birthday, on Sunday, January 14th, 2024 at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Evangelina is survived by six children: V. Thomas, Caridad, Rogelio, M. Dolores-Lola, Beatriz-Betti, and Victor Hugo. She is preceded in death by four of her children; David, Cuquita, Francisco-Panchito, and Lupita. She leaves 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Ms. Lopez was also survived by her second husband, Jesse T. Lopez, and her two younger brothers, Primo and Lorenzo Fernandez, both of whom still live in Mexico. Along with a large family of paternal and maternal family members.

Evangelina [nee Fernandez] worked hard to provide for her family. "Doña Eva" or "la Guera" as she was affectionately known as, was a pioneer in the Chicago business community when she arrived in the late 60s'. Evangelina quickly established a reputation for herself through industrious work to eventually start her own restaurant in Chicago with high-end ingredients, "Los Molcajetes", first of its kind in Chicago. Doña Eva's culinary skills were evident as she had multitudes of clients waiting in long lines to come eat at her places. This mother and leader in the Mexican community, became Mrs. Lopez and went on to open multiple bar eateries and restaurants in Chicago & Streator, Illinois, after opening a large event ballrooms here in Chicago to entertain the masses. Together with her husband Jesse, they brought famous bands and artists to perform, offering entertainment to the Spanish speaking communities and those who would appreciate this culture. Doña Eva was an active participant in many charity and church events, teaching catechism to children and adults, and having home prayer sessions for the communities around Chicago and in Mexico, in her town of Zinapecuaro, Mich. She traveled around the world with her church groups and on her own with her friends, family and husband throughout her life.

Friends and family will gather for a visitation for Doña Eva that will be held at Mount Auburn Funeral Home, 4101 South Oak Park Avenue, Stickney Illinois 60402 on Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

On Thursday, January 25th, 2024, her body will lay in state from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654. The funeral mass in her honor will follow with Fr. Jon Boivin, at 10:30 am. A committal service will occur at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, 1400 South Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162 following mass.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountAuburnFuneralHome.com for the Lopez Family.