Nohemi Lopez

Nohemi was born in 1930 in Michoacan to Isabel and Pablo Lopez, and was raised by her stepfather, Remedios, a beekeeper and her mom, a schoolteacher.

She attended nursing school in Mexico City. After graduation, working as a private nurse in Acapulco, she met our father. Her adventurous spirit brought her to a nursing program in Chicago in 1957. My father joined her shortly thereafter, and they married and had their children, Elizabeth, Anthony, and Angela.

She continued to work as a nurse in Chicago where she made many friends who became our extended family. She was later joined in Chicago by my Tío Cirilo and his family, and my Tío Luis. Mom raised us in church every Sunday without fail. In the early 1970’s, we attended Ravenswood Presbyterian Church, pastored by Rev. William Quiceno. It was there that we found our largest extended family.

Her life was one of adventure, joy, service, and hardship. The crown jewels of her life are Anthony’s children (with Elizabeth and Maureen, respectively), her grandchildren, Alexandra (at rest in 2023) and Anthony Jr, Nina Marie and Vincent, and her great grandchildren Kaleb and Aria. They have brought her great joy and are her greatest accomplishment. As a mother, she gave us the gifts of faith, an enduring love, and a value for education. She was a good and generous friend to many, always quietly attending to the needs of others. Her life was extraordinary because she loved deeply and lived faithfully.

It has been our great privilege and honor to love and care for her, and we will honor her daily until we see her again. Rest in Peace and great joy, Mami.