Mrs. Mariahelena Gomez de Lopez

Mariahelena Gomez de Lopez, 90, passed away peacefully in Atlanta on October 2, 2024, surrounded by her family and dear friends. A devoted wife, mother and beloved abuela, she was married to the late Dr. Manuel Augusto Lopez (Manolo) of Bogotá, Colombia, for 54 years before his passing in February 2010.

Mariahelena was born in Bogotá, Colombia, on July 12, 1934, the daughter of Carlos Gomez Martinez and Maria Zuleta Ferrer. After finishing high school, she attended Marymount School in Bogota. While traveling with her brother in Spain, she met her future husband, and they were married in Lourdes, France, in 1956. After their marriage, the couple lived in Madrid from 1956 to 1959 while Manolo completed medical school. While in Spain, they had their first son Ignacio. In 1959, they returned to Colombia and welcomed their second son Rodrigo. The family relocated to the United States in 1965 so Manolo could complete his residency in psychiatry. In 1971, the family moved to Atlanta, where they remained and built their lives.

Mariahelena was known for her deep faith, gentle nature and unwavering devotion to her family. Her warm sense of humor and love for life were apparent to everyone who knew her. She enjoyed traveling the world with family and friends and continued to do so well into her late 80s, remaining wonderfully active and living independently until her passing.

A talented cook, Mariahelena brought her family together weekly with her much-anticipated Tuesday night dinners, where her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and often dear friends gathered to share meals and stay connected. Her legacy of love and unity continues through these cherished traditions.

Later in life, Mariahelena discovered a passion for painting, joining the Sunflower Ladies, a weekly group named for their shared love of floral art. She leaves behind a collection of stunning watercolor and oil paintings, treasured works that her family will cherish for years to come. She also found joy in her weekly gatherings with friends and neighbors to play Mahjong and Rummikub.

Mariahelena was a longtime member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta and a dedicated volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Georgia, where she gave back to her community with kindness and compassion.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mariahelena is predeceased by her siblings Maria Inés Gomez de Duplat, Carlos Jose Gomez, Marifran Gomez de Martínez, Alfonso Gomez and Margarita Gomez de Pellegrino. She is survived by her sons Manuel Ignacio Lopez Gomez (Carolina) of Madrid, and Carlos Rodrigo Lopez (Karen) of Atlanta; four grandchildren Maria Cristina Ziech-Lopez (Nick), Alejandro McNeely Lopez, Benjamin Carlos Lopez and Santiago Manuel Lopez Gazal; and two great-granddaughters Aurelia Lucia Ziech-Lopez and Sofia Catalina Ziech-Lopez. She is also survived by her sister Isabel Gomez de Botero of Medellín, Colombia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mariahelena’s beloved nieces, Maria Inés Martinez of Medellín, Colombia, and Sandra Lozano of Bogotá, Colombia, for their frequent visits and compassionate care in recent years.

A funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The family will receive guests at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Holy Spirt at hsccatl.com/memorials.