Erica Lopez "Mama"

69, of Fresno, California, has passed on Monday December 31, 2018

surrounded by her loved ones. She is survived by her husband Rafael

Atalo Lopez, in which they shared 53 years together raising their children,

grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Erica was born in Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico on January 15, 1949 to both

the late Andrea Medina and Felipe Medina. At a young age she left school

to raise her seven siblings. Soon after she married Rafael Lopez on May 5,

1965 in Roswell, New Mexico.

Erica immigrated to the U.S. with four children to Fresno, CA where she

had two more sons. Here she worked as a field worker along with her

children and husband to make ends meet. Mama was never afraid to work

in harsh circumstances if it meant providing for her family. She was a

natural in the kitchen, making dishes that would rival any Mexican

restaurant and always had a pot of coffee ready for whenever you came

over to talk. However, her skills didn’t stop there; Mama truly had a green

thumb. She would buy an assortment of flowers, trees, and plants which

she would bring to life. Her entire backyard was her playground which is

still vibrant with her touch as if she is now one with her garden. There was

never a dull moment when in her presence. In fact, she always had a smile

that reflected an innocence, because in reality she did not have a mean

bone in her body. Mama was always ready to go anywhere, whether it be

to the nail salon, out to eat, or simply being with her family anywhere. She

was the embodiment of life by living to the very fullest and letting no one

stop her from doing just that. She treated her grandchildren and great

grandchildren as if they were her own. She was the heart, soul, and

backbone of the family; there will forever be a hole in all of our hearts.

Mama will forever be missed.

Erica joins her mother, father, and grandson Niklaus Luna in Heaven. She

is survived by her six children, Margarita Lopez, Rosemary Lopez, Ralph Jr

Lopez (Lisa), Veronica Quintana (Edward), Joel Lopez, and Steve Lopez;

her grandchildren, Frank Quintana (Joanique), Edward Lopez, Vanessa

Quintana (Sylvia), Lexie Quintana, Michael Quintana, Mariaelena Perez,

Steven Jr. Luna, and Adrianna Jameson; her great grandchildren, Frankie,

Elijah, Crystal, Nicholas, Isabella, Samuel, and Jeremiah.

Funeral arrangements will be held at Tinkler Funeral Chapel in Fresno, CA,

on Wednesday January 9th at 6:00 p.m. The address is 475 N. Broadway

St. Fresno, CA, 93701.

Dos Coronas A Mi Madre

Dos coronas a mí madre al panteón voy a dejar

Donde me paso las horas llorando sin descansar

Dos coronas a mi madre es muy poco para ti

Madrecita de mi vida quisiera quedarme aquí

Cada año, día de las madres es muy triste par mí

Cada año, día de las madres crece más mi amor por ti

Aunque se que es imposible ya no estaras junto a mí

Madrecita de mi vida nunca me olvido de ti

Aquí te dejo estas flores dos coronas para ti

Recordando los momentos que tu me arrullaste a mi

Madrecita si me escuchas el otro año vengo aquí

A dejarte dos coronas dos coronas para ti

-

Los Cadetes De Linares

In remembrance of Erica Lopez

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