Pauline Lopez Esparza

Pauline (Apolinar) Lopez Esparza, 86, of San Bernardino passed away peacefully March 22, 2022, at the home of her daughter who was caring for her. Pauline was born in Rochester, California on January 8, 1936. She is survived by her daughter Rosemary Castaneda, son Gilbert Esparza, brother Jesse Lopez, as well as 10 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Genaro S. Esparza, son Genaro L. Esparza, father Catarino Lopez, mother Maria Semano, 1 brother and 5 sisters.

She retired from Patton State Hospital where she worked for about 35 years, starting as a kitchen worker and advancing to a laboratory assistant and finally a pharmacy technician.

Both her father and mother immigrated to the United States before 1920. She, her parents and siblings worked very hard as farm workers and later attained other occupations. Her father was killed, a victim of gun violence, when she was 6 years old causing great emotional and financial hardship to her and her family.

She graduated from Chaffey High School and attained 2 years of college before marrying Genaro August 2, 1958. Her 3 children were born from 1959 to 1961. She began working a couple years after the birth of her third child so she and her husband Genaro, a federal employee who worked and retired from Norton Air Force Base, could provide more opportunities for their children.

In retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her hobbies were buying gifts and clothing for her kids and grandkids, thrifting, gambling in casinos and caring for her pets. She especially loved her dogs and cats. Due to the trauma of her childhood, she was cantankerous and could be difficult, but she did many acts of love for her family and was a part of many fond memories. She was loved by many and will be missed.

Viewing and Rosary will be held Thursday, April 28, at 4-8 pm at Mt View Mortuary, 570 E Highland Ave, San Bernardino. Friday, April 29, mass will be held at 10 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1430 W 5th St., San Bernardino. Committal service will follow at 11:30 am at Mt View Cemetery.