Mrs. Rosemary Lopez

Mrs. Rosemary Lopez was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

She was the daughter of Joe Taffoya & Josephine Mata. Rosemary grew up in Pomona & Bloomington, California.

Rosemary was raised with three siblings. She had two older brothers, Daniel Zapata and Edward Zapata, and one baby sister, Gerri Florez. Rosemary was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Rosemary had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Rosemary was an active child who took part in softball. In her spare time she liked singing. However, to Rosemary, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Rosemary had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Colton High School in 1959. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was music. She was in the high school choir, and played softball.

Rosemary enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Rosemary was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her AA degree. Her favorite course was earth science.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Rosemary enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, some of her best friends were her cousins Mercy, Hopie, and Yolonda.

In 1961 Rosemary exchanged wedding vows with Amado L. Lopez. Empathic and loyal, Rosemary was committed to making her new family happy.

Rosemary worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Rosemary was blessed with five children, Paul, John, James, Michelle, and Dannielle. Another blessing for Rosemary was the gift of eighteen grandchildren, Angelina, Valerie, Paul Jr., Yvonne, Cassandra, Edward, John Jr., Nicholas, Victor, Eli, Katherin, Kenneth III, Andrew, Serria, Martin, Joey, Ricky, and Melissa.

Fortunately, Rosemary enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Rosemary worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was as a teacher's assistant. She was employed for 23 years. Rosemary always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Rosemary enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuit was reading. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Rosemary found pleasure in sports. In high school, Rosemary played softball. Recreational sports included coaching the first girl's softball league. Rosemary was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list were football.

Throughout her life, Rosemary was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Rosemary was an active member of the The Forgasetia and La Femaine.

Rosemary was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving on committees for Pop Werner football and cheerleading.

Rosemary’s faith was important to her. She was a member of San Salvador Catholic Church for 25 years. During that time, she was in the choir.

Rosemary was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Blue, a beagle basset hound. They were best friends for fifteen years. Her family was rounded out by her two lovebirds.

When Rosemary’s retirement finally arrived in 2005, she was well prepared. Even in retirement, Rosemary continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Rosemary was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Rosemary passed away on September 4, 2010 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California. She is survived by her husband, Amado Lopez, 5 children, Paul, John, James, Michelle, and Danielle, 18 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Services were held at Green Acres Memorial Chapel. Rosemary was laid to rest in Green Acres Memorial Park in Bloomington, California.

Simply stated, Rosemary was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Rosemary leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Mrs. Rosemary Lopez.