Elena Herrera Lopez

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Elena Herrera Lopez was no exception. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Elena will be remembered as an exceptional person.

Elena’s life journey began on June 2, 1924. She first greeted the world in Tanhuato, Michoacán, Mexico, and at the age of twelve moved to Coyoaca, Mexico, DF. Her parents' were Virginia Gil Sanchez and Salvador Herrera. She was raised with two brothers, José and Francisco Herrera. Elena was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her family sharing many life experiences over the years.

Elena enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Elena was able to manage the balancing act, becoming a graduate of El Camino College.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Elena experienced that with Enrique Briseño López and the couple exchanged wedding vows on April 1, 1942. They had a Courthouse wedding in Coyoacan, Mexico DF. Empathic and loyal, Elena was committed to making her new family happy.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Elena was blessed with twelve children, seven daughters, Virginia, Rosalva, Mary, Chayo, Lupe, Susie and Patty, and five sons, Rudolfo, Enrique, Emilio, Jorge and Eddie. As a Homemaker for 75 years, Elena worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs, raising her children in a positive and nurturing environment. Later on, Elena was blessed with the gift of 19 Grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. Elena enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, including gardening, knitting, watching classic movies and music. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. Elena became a U.S. citizen in 2006.

Elena left us on July 10, 2016. She passed away in Chula Vista, California. She was ninety two years old. The cause of death was due to diabetic complications. She is survived by her husband Enrique B. Lopez, son Rudolfo and Marie, daughter Rosalva and Eduardo, son Emilio and Wilma, daughter Mary and Steve, son Eddie, daughter Chayo and Eduardo, daughter Lupe and Carlos, daughter Susie and Richard and daughter Patty and Roy.

Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A Visitation was held at Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel, Bonita, California, Tuesday, July 19, 2016, from 5:00 pm to 9¬:00 pm. A Funeral Service was held at Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel, Bonita, California, Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 11:00 am, Officiated by Father José Castillo. Elena was laid to rest in Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California, Wednesday, July 20, 2016. A Reception was held at Marias Residence, 409 Camino Elevado, Bonita, California, Wednesday, July 20, 2016, immediately following the Interment.

So this is Elena’s life, the sum of the woman that she became. Simply stated, Elena was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. She leaves behind her the legacy of a loving family, lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Elena touched will always remember her with a smile.