Maria Luisa Lopez

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Maria Luisa Lopez. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Maria was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Maria was born on November 4, 1929 in Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of Miguel and Maria Gomez. Maria was raised in Los Angeles, California. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Maria was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Maria's personality throughout her life.

Though Maria was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Maria was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Maria worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Maria was raised with seven siblings. She had four brothers, Mike, Angel, Louie and Gilbert and two sisters, Mary and Alice. Maria and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

For Maria, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Maria was also adept at details. Maria was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She attended Roosevelt High School but never graduated. She had to quit school when her father died and had to work to help support the family.

There was one thing that all of Maria's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Maria was such a popular person throughout her life. But Maria was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Maria was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Maria was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Maria was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Maria was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Maria made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, her best friend was Molly Mora. Later in life, she remained friends with Molly Mora.

Maria was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Maria cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On January 28, 1951 Maria married Rudolfo Lopez at The Resurrection Church of Los Angeles, California. Compassionate and devoted, Maria worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Maria and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Maria was blessed with four children, two sons, Rudy Jr and Richard and two daughters, Anna and Virginia. They were also blessed with twelve grandchildren, Rudy III, Jon, Jenny, Marie, Mikey, Richard, Gigi, Ryan, Sarah, Brandon, Jessica and Amy. Maria was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Maria was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Maria would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Maria, and she expected the same from those around her. Maria was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Maria was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Maria handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was homemaker all her life. She was employed briefly for Walnut Company. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Maria enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were doll collecting, she also collected angels, Betty Boop and loved dancing every week with all her friends. She also loved gardening - had a green thumb.

Maria was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Maria was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included some bowling. Maria also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Maria well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St Alphonsus for 58 years. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did Maria enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included going to the casino's, especially in Vegas.

Maria was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Annie, a Shih Tzu, who was a best friend for 3 1/2 years.

Maria passed away on June 2, 2013 at Los Angeles, California. She fought a brave battle against cancer. She is survived by her husband Rudy, her children Rudy Jr, Virgie and Richard, her grandchildren Rudy III, Jon, Jenny, Marie, Mikey, Richard, Gigi, Ryan, Sarah, Brandon, Jessica and Amy, her great-grandchildren Adan, Selah, Zoey, Aaron, Christian, Benjamin, Amy, Zack and Chloe, her brother Angel and her sister Alice. Services were held at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Montebello, California. Maria was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Montebello, California.

Maria was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Maria was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Maria Luisa Lopez.