The world lost a beloved mother, grandmother and friend when Rosemary Lopez Kelsey passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at the age of 89. She was born in El Paso on September 23, 1936 to Juan Antonio and Elisa Garcia Lopez.
Rosemary secured her Bachelors and Master Degrees in Education from UTEP and was an ardent education advocate. The family knew early on that the only approved post high school path was college.
As a life long educator, Rosemary was always in teacher mode which included being the cheerleader for every young person she taught or met. At times this included short lessons on the current activities future impact. Her children and grandchildren can attest to having many short lessons. She made an impact on multiple generations of elementary children at Hawkin’s elementary before retiring after 42 years of service. She was honored as Teacher of the Year on multiple occasions
St. Patrick’s Cathedral was Rosemary’s church where she was an active member of the Altar Society and Christ Child.
She is survived by her children, William (Lee Ann) Kelsey, Cynthia (Jim) Knifer, Sandra (Matt) Vint, grandchildren Kevin (Samantha) Kelsey and Morgan Kelsey and great grandchildren Kimber and Kasen Kelsey along with a multitude of cousins and close friends who were her El Paso family.
Services will be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 starting with a Rosary at 9 AM with the Mass at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Patrick’s Cathedral can be made in Rosemary’s name.
