Alice Lopez

Alice Lopez, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, has passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022 at the age of 91. She has risen to join her husband, Manuel Lopez; her parents, Miguel and Elvira Cortez; and her sisters, Margarita Camacho and Angie Encarnacion, all of whom she loved dearly.

She is survived by her children, Rosalie Bustos and Gerald Lopez, along with their respective spouses, Amador and Norma. She was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren: Veronica and Javier Lopez, as well as Ernesto, Amanda, Angela, and Dee Bustos. Later in life, she was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Olive Milhouse, Zoe and Xavier Bustos, and Christian Leon.

Alice was raised in Clovis, CA and graduated from Clovis High School. Many long-standing relationships with friends and compadres were made in those formative years, and she remained forever proud of her hometown.

Alice married Manuel Lopez in September 1951, and they raised their two children in the Fresno neighborhood of Calwa. While in Calwa, along with being a full-time mother, Alice worked in Calwa Elementary’s cafeteria and also as a fourth-grade teacher’s aide. She particularly enjoyed the latter role because she was able to assist Spanish-speaking students with language access at school.

As a mother, Alice could be strict, but she always instilled the values of strength, courtesy, and appreciation of someone else’s effort. Alice was intuitive and could “smell a rat” when it came to sensing her kids’ mischief. Paired with her discipline was her readiness to give assistance, advice, or just to talk.

Alice, Manuel, and their kids spent many summers camping with her sister Margaret, her spouse Diego Haro, and their family. Memorable adventures, loads of fried fish, and rich plática were had on those travels. In addition, Alice enjoyed trips to Spain and domestic road trips with her cousin Lori and spouse, Oliver. Alice never hesitated to recount the funniest moments from those trips, and considered traveling with Manuel amongst the highlights of her life.

Alice and her younger sister Angie shared a close bond that, despite their sisterly differences, never faltered in love. Angie even stayed with Alice for a while when Angie moved to Fresno. Prior to Angie’s passing in May 2022, the two were able to express their love for each other, something that brought Alice great solace and comfort.

“Grams,” “Gramma,” “Grammies,” or “Gramma Lisa” as she was known, had a keen sense of humor. Her off-the-cuff comments would always make her grandkids laugh, then later quote her best quips. Each one of her grandkids can easily recount their own unique memories of their grandmother. Alice dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Alice’s life changed dramatically when her husband Manuel passed away on his 70th birthday in February 1993. At age 62, and after 42 years of marriage to the only man she ever loved, it took Alice significant time to adjust to life as a widow. However, Alice prevailed as an independent woman. She adopted and loved Mitzie, a Chihuahua-Terrier mix, for 18 years; she took ceramic classes with her neighbor Eloise; and for a while, she was a member of the Red Hat Society. Alice also joined her family and friends on trips to Mexico, Hawai’i, and Alaska.

Alice lived in Fresno until 2018, when she sold the last home, she shared with Manuel. She then moved to Alta Loma, California to live with her son Gerald and daughter-in-law, Norma. Although Alice endured many health events while living with them, the abundance of deeply loving care she received from her daughter-in-law and son enabled Alice to live into her tenth decade. The entire family owes Norma and Gerald a tremendous amount of gratitude in caring for Alice in their home.

Alice spent her last eight months of life at Sunlit Gardens Assisted Living in Alta Loma, where she received excellent care from the kind staff. Alice developed close relationships with her care team and made new friends at that community. Alice’s family sincerely thanks the Sunlit staff for their tireless effort in caring for Alice as their own, particularly in her final days.

To all who knew, loved, and are now grieving the loss of Alice, know she was and is grateful for everyone who touched her life.

A rosary service for Alice will be held Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. A funeral service will occur Friday, December 9, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center, 1572 E. Barstow Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Lopez family.