Margarita N. Lopez

July 25, 1935 - Jan. 24, 2024

A devoted wife to a patriotic soldier, a loving mother of three beautiful daughters, and a loyal and vibrant friend to most people she met, Margarita N. Lopez, of Columbus, was called home by the Lord on Jan. 24, passing away at age 88 after a brief illness.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road in Columbus, with Pastor Andrew Spires of Lakewood Baptist Church in Phenix City officiating. Visitation is 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will take place immediately after the service at Main Post Cemetery on Fort Moore, Ga. (formerly Fort Benning).

Mrs. Lopez was born July 25, 1935, in Manati, Puerto Rico, one of four children of Marta Ramon Nieves and Daniel Nieves. Though she would spend her first two decades of life growing up on the Caribbean island U.S. territory, it was a simple social event that would change her life dramatically -- meeting U.S. Army soldier Gil Lopez at a party after his return from duty in the Korean War.

They fell in love and Gil and Margarita would soon become Mr. and Mrs. Lopez, a union that ultimately would bless them with three daughters -- Maria, Darhma and Erika -- and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They also would experience a memorable deployment to Augsburg, Germany, before Staff Sgt. Lopez's return to Fort Benning, where he would retire from the military in 1966 and settle the family in Columbus.

Gill and Margarita met many new friends along the way, establishing a social network that would serve as a strong foundation for the remainder of their long lives in the Columbus area. While Gil continued to work into his 70s, Margarita was in charge of running the home -- getting the children off to school, handling the many household tasks, and doing the shopping at Fort Benning. The commissary and post exchange were her friends.

While her husband generally was a calming influence on the family, Margarita was known more for her high energy, which came complete with a beautiful smile that could light up any room. It seems she never truly met a stranger and drew folks to her with the vitality and charm that her personality exuded.

Of course, there was much more to this dear woman's life. Anyone who invited Margarita to a dinner or party likely would expect her to bring along dishes of her Puerto Rican rice and empanadas (pastelillos) or the delicious dessert flan. She also was known as one of the best makers of pasteles in the city, with numerous people each year asking her to craft for them the holiday delicacy that combines masa and savory meat wrapped in steamed banana leaves.

A dear friend to many, Margarita also was known to visit those who might be ill or need companionship as they aged, be it through visits to hospitals or at their homes. If someone needed a shoulder to lean on or a lift in their spirits, Margarita was the one who could accomplish that feat with a gracious smile and perhaps a quick joke, followed by her infectious laughter.

Margarita's other interests included using her green thumb to garden in her front and back yards, growing anything from flowers and yucca to a host of herbs and spices that she could use in her food preparation. She also enjoyed visiting and selling items at the local flea market, while also volunteering her time at the nearby Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 665 on Victory Drive. In her mind she was giving back to the military service that had supported her family so much through the years.

Most of all, Margarita dearly loved her family and would give of her time and with all her heart to see that they were happy.

Aside from her parents, Mrs. Lopez was preceded in death by her husband, whom she lost to illness more than a decade ago, as well as her brother Rafeal Nieves.

Mrs. Lopez is survived by her daughters, Maria Adams and husband, Tony, of Smiths Station, Ala.; Darhma Robinson and husband, Mark, of Matthews, N.C.; Erika Strength and husband, Chris, of Phenix City, Ala; her grandchildren, Andria Kramer (husband Arthur), Daniella Buchanan (husband Roger), Jonathan Strength and Timmy Strength; and her great-grandchildren Madison, Charlotte, Ava and Ethen. Margarita's surviving sisters are Paula Rivera and Delia Nieves, both of Puerto Rico. She also leaves behind Vincent Wright, a dear friend and partner each relied on after the passing of their spouses, as well as Vince's children, Tina Cutright (Sam), Larry Wright (Lisa), and Vincent Wright Jr. (Sheryl).

The family also wishes to thank the doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at Emory Hospital in Atlanta for their hard work in treating their mother, as well as their compassion during such a heartbreaking and emotional time.

Vaya con Dios, Mama. We all love you very, very much!