Maria Clara Berlanga Lopez

October 22, 2026

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce that Maria Clara Berlanga Lopez went to be with our Lord on October 22, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francisco V. Lopez, and is now peacefully reunited with him in heaven.

Maria was born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Throughout her life, she was a devoted mother, loving grandmother, proud great-grandmother, and cherished great-great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was her family, and she dedicated her life to loving, caring for, and providing for those closest to her.

Maria is survived by her beloved children: Johnny Serna, Gilbert Lopez, Sr., Stefanie (Daniel) Sandoval, Edward (Lisa) Lopez, Roy Gonzalez (Amy), Dorothy (Gilbert) Ortiz III, and Lorraine (Johnny) Turincio. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever cherish her love, the memories they shared, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Maria was a woman whose love was expressed through her actions, sacrifices, and countless ways of caring for others. She had a nurturing heart, a strength that carried her through life's challenges, and a special gift for bringing people together. She believed in hard work and took great pride in providing for her family and making sure those she loved were cared for. Her love could be felt in the warmth of her home, the delicious meals and famous tortillas she lovingly prepared, and the memories she created with everyone around her.

She had a special talent for making a house feel like home. Maria loved decorating, shopping, and adding special touches that made everything beautiful and welcoming. She found happiness in life's simple pleasures, especially spending time outdoors, tending to her garden, and caring for her plants. Whether she was enjoying nature, decorating her home, shopping, or relaxing while watching her favorite novelas, Maria appreciated the little things that brought her joy. These are memories her family will forever hold close.

Maria also shared her love through her passion for cooking. She was a beloved cook at Ray's Restaurant and San Luis Restaurant, where she spent many years sharing her talent, hard work, and love of preparing food for others before eventually retiring. Her dedication reflected the values she carried throughout her life: hard work, commitment, and taking pride in everything she did. Through her cooking, she touched countless lives and created memories that will always bring people together.

Above all, Maria was the heart of her family. As a mother, she provided unconditional love, guidance, and strength. As an Abuela, she showered her grandchildren with affection, passed down treasured traditions, and created memories that will be carried through generations. Her family was her greatest blessing, and the love she planted in each of their hearts will continue to grow for years to come.

Though our hearts ache with her passing, we find comfort in knowing that her love will never leave us. We will remember her through the meals she lovingly prepared, the traditions she passed down, the laughter shared around the family table, and the simple joys that made her who she was. We will remember her caring for her home and garden, just as we will remember the hands that prepared our favorite meals and cared for the people she loved.

Like the flowers she lovingly cared for, the seeds of love, kindness, hard work, and family that Maria planted will continue to blossom through the generations she leaves behind.

Maria's life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a legacy that will live on forever.

Rest peacefully, Mom and Abuela. You were loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, and will never, ever be forgotten. Until we meet again in God's heavenly kingdom.