Maria Ines Lopez

Maria Ines Lopez, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on January 1, 1931, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Maria lived a remarkable life rooted in love, service, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Maria Ines Lopez was a graduate of Roy Miller High School and a proud member of the Esteemed Hi-Fairneesee Girls Club. She dedicated her life to nurturing others—most notably through her work as a para-professional teacher in several elementary schools across Corpus Christi. Her warm presence, patience, and extraordinary ability to connect with children made her a treasured figure among students and faculty alike. She brought joy, compassion, and inspiration to every classroom she entered, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the lives she touched.

Maria Ines Lopez spent the last 37 years in a devoted relationship with Alfino Garcia, the great love of her later life. Their time together was filled with mutual love, warmth, and shared memories that enriched the lives of those around them.

Maria Ines Lopez was predeceased by her parents Jose and Maria F. Gallardo, brother Augustine Gallardo and her late husband Jesus G. Lopez Sr., with whom she raised five children: Jesse, Ernest, Larry, Gilbert, and Rosa Linda Lopez. Though Jesus passed away many years ago, their family continued to grow.

Maria Ines Lopez is survived by her sister Estella Amador, her partner Alfino Garcia, her children—Jesse Jr., Ernest, Larry, Gilbert, Rosa Linda Lopez, and as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and dear friends. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely will continue to guide those who knew her.

A visitation for Maria will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Corpus Christi, 549 Cheyenne St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78405. A Holy Rosary will take place that evening at 7:00 PM. A continued visitation will follow on Friday, May 16, 2025, beginning at 9:30 AM.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1322 Comanche St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park, 2731 Comanche St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78408.

Maria Ines Lopez will be remembered for her gentle heart, her lifelong commitment to others, and the legacy of love, strength, and grace she leaves behind.