Maria Lopez was born on September 9, 1922, in Coronado, California, to parents Leonor and Jesus Lopez. One of seven children she was raised and lived her entire life in Logan Heights. Maria (Mary) went to join our Heavenly Father on March 14, 2013, where she passed away peacefully at Scripps Mercy Hospital.
Maria Lopez married David L. Naranjo on June 27, 1943, and they had four children, Elizabeth, Steven, David Jr., (Putsy) and Andrea. In 1993, Maria and David celebrated and renewed their wedding vows at their 50th Wedding Anniversary and Maria wore her original wedding dress. Maria was preceded in death by her devoted husband, David on November 30, 2009. As much as it pains us that she is gone, I know that Maria and David are reunited together again.
In the early 1960’s, Maria opened up the Nuevo Mexico Café at 1784 Newton Avenue in Logan Heights and with David as her right hand partner (and him with a full time job at Solar International), successfully operated the restaurant for over 18 years. The Nuevo Mexico Café or New Mexico Café has been an icon in Logan Heights for many years. Maria retired in 1981, one year after David retired from Solar. Any time Maria would see her former customers, they would remember fondly the fresh, good food that was served daily. Quite often, Maria would see her former customers at the local gambling casinos which Maria loved to visit. On one of the last trips that Maria and David took together to celebrate a wedding anniversary with their family was to Laughlin, Nevada. On the first night of the trip, the family members were tired and wanted to go to sleep, but Maria and David stayed out till the early morning hours gambling the night away.
For over 50 years, Maria was a devoted member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church and was also a member of the Ladies Altar Society. Maria was also an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Don Diego VFW Post #7420 in Logan Heights.
A loving Mother to daughter Elizabeth, son Steven (Barbara), son, David Jesus (Putsy) who was killed in Vietnam on March 7, 1971, one week before his 22nd birthday, and daughter Andrea (Jaime). A devoted Grandmother to grandchildren; Eric, Matthew, Desirea, Sergio, Sachary, Gabriel, Alejandro, Christopher and Bianca. Great grandchildren Joshua, Isaiah, Sarita, Angelina, Angel, Jacob, Jiselle, Andres, Armando, and Ethan. And we just found out last month, another Great grandchild will be added to the family this coming September. To her Great grandchildren, she was called “Big Nana,” but one asked at one point, why do we call her “Big Nana,” she’s not big, she’s little. In April of last year, it was Mary’s youngest grand-daughter, Bianca, 21st birthday. It was Bianca’s request that the family celebrate with her in Las Vegas. That was the last time Maria went to Las Vegas. Last September, Maria celebrated her 90th birthday. On that day, she kept repeating, “I can’t believe I’m 90 years old!” A family gathering was held in her honor with her oldest Grandson and his family Skyp’d in from Texas via an IPad for the occasion. Forever as our Mom, Nana and Big Nana, she will always be in our hearts.
The Viewing will be at the Goodbody Mortuary at 5027 El Cajon Blvd., on Tuesday, March 19th from 5 – 9 pm with the Rosary recited at 7 pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, March 20th at 10 am at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum Chapel at 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, with burial immediately following the Mass.
Our family deeply appreciates the many expressions of kindness and prayers extended during our bereavement and thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts. Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered and cherished.
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