Kathleen Lopez

Kathleen Theresa Lopez (Kathy), 71, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Lutheran Medical Center, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, surrounded by family. She was born on March 24, 1952, to Abade and Eralia (Sanchez) Lopez, at Weld County General Hospital in Greeley, Colorado.

Kathy attended Greeley public schools including Lincoln and Jefferson elementary, Meeker Junior High, and Greeley Central High. She graduated from Greeley Central in May 1970.

In the fall of 1973, Kathy began her studies at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). In June 1977, she graduated from UNC, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with an emphasis in adult counseling, and early childhood development.

After graduating from UNC, Kathy worked in adult counseling at Greeley's Island Grove Regional Treatment Center.

Kathy also pursed her interest in early childhood development and spent many years as a pre-kindergarten teacher with the privately owned Kinder-Care in Greeley. She successfully prepared many of Greeley's children with the intellectual and social skills needed to compete with other children their age.

Later in life Kathy decided she wanted to pursue a career in business. She worked in the finance department at JD Byrider and Weld County Garage.

She then moved into sales and worked as the Greeley Chamber of Commerce's Membership Director. There wasn't a small or large business owner in Greeley who did not know Kathy. She was known by all as a professional, no nonsense, get up and go businesswoman. She was all business.

In June 2010, Kathy decided to expand her horizons and moved to Denver, Colorado, where she accepted a sales position with Allied Forces, a full-service staffing agency for growing businesses. Kathy was annually recognized by Allied Forces as one of their top five sales representatives in a five-state area including Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Idaho.

Kathy had just recently retired from Allied Forces.

Kathy had a beautiful and generous heart. Her home and kitchen were always open to all. No one ever left her home hungry. And she wouldn't let you leave without another well packed meal for later. Kathy was a very special aunt to all her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Weekends spent with aunt Kathy were always highly anticipated and very special. She always had lots of good home-cooked meals, all the best snacks, movies, and crafts.

Kathy was also a very special sister to all her siblings. The entire family is going to miss her dearly, including aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kathy's premature leaving shall also be missed by many of her childhood friends, including Mary Ann, Annabelle, and the rest of the Golden Girls.

While in Greeley, Kathy was an active member of the Hispanic Women of Weld County and served one year as president of the organization.

Kathy is survived by her brothers, Ray Lopez, Fil Lopez, Del Lopez, Clarence Lopez, Rick Lopez, and a lifelong friend Jerome Cruz. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her best friend and sister Diane Lopez Berg.

Memorial services shall be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 1311 3rd Street, Greeley, Colorado 80631. The Rosary and Mass of the Christian Burial shall begin at 12:00 p.m.