She was born September 18, 1938, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and was the youngest of 5 children (Rubén, Felipe, Alfonso, Raul, & Carlota) to Ramón Carlos Chapa Cisneros and Nicolasa Galván Treviño of Matamoros.
She attended secretarial school and became highly adept at shorthand, which came in quite handy in her long career as an administrator.
Carlota was highly regarded for her knowledge and leadership skills, leading her to become Deputy Criminal Clerk of Cameron County—a post she held for many years throughout her career in public service of nearly 30 years until her retirement in the year 2000. She will also be remembered fondly for the champurrado she shared most Christmases with Court staff—who eagerly awaited the delicious traditional Mexican chocolate drink made by her expert, loving hands—and who would form long lines to partake in the popular tradition she began.
Carlota began her life in her hometown of Matamoros, where she met the love of her life, Daniel Hopinks Saucedo. The loving couple were married on December 25, 1960 in Brownsville, at El Calvario Lutheran Church—the church where she devoted herself to serving her many brothers and sisters in Christ. She loved gardening, reading and studying Scripture, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted follower of Christ Jesus, and most recently attended St. John Lutheran Church in San Benito.
She is preceded in death by her mother, father, husband, brothers, and two children (Carlos and Rubén). She is survived by her children, Daniel, David, Connie (Allan) McCracken, and Carlota (Sukul) Hopinks-Baul; her grandchildren, Bethany and Itzak Baul; numerous nephews, nieces and extended family; her beloved cat and lap warmer, Furball, and her faithful feathered companion of 38 years, Cotorrí.
A visitation for Carlota will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Chapel of Angels, at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521. A chapel service will occur Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM in Chapel of Angels, followed by a burial that will occur Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521.
Honored to be Pallbearers will be: Daniel Hopinks, Allan McCracken, Arturo Chapa, Rubén Chapa, Humberto Gaspar, Carlos Cabello, Al Warren Beltrán, Jesus McCollum.
