Mary Fernandez Lopez

Mary S. Fernandez (Challo) Lopez finished her work for the Lord on July 11, 2015 in Houston, Texas. She was born in Brownsville, Texas to her parents, Antonio and Juanita Fernandez. Mary graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education. She was a teacher, and a fervent political and community activist who was inspired by social justice. Mary is survived by her three children, Josie Travlos and spouse Jim Travlos, Robert Lopez and wife Nancy Lopez, and Margaret Lopez and life partner Melissa Paahana. She was preceded in death by her son Joseph Adam Lopez and former husband of twenty-nine years, Joe R. Lopez. She is also survived by her brothers Moses, Raymond and Tony Fernandez and sisters Concepcion Molina and Maggie Escobedo, her grandchildren, Henry Joe Lopez, John Travlos, Jenny Travlos and Jackie Travlos Dunbar and her great grandchildren,Steve Trevino, Johnathan Travlos, Caden Dunbar, Cale Dunbar and Helena Leimomi Travlos. Mary was 93 years young at her passing. Throughout her life, she was filled with a love of learning, compassion and interest in others. She was an active volunteer and political advocate who was involved in the leadership of political campaigns for President John F. Kennedy and Senator Henry B. Gonzalez. Her tireless work for her community was recorded in two books , "Houston Women From Suffrage to City Hall" and "Notable Women of Texas". Before her illness, Mary loved going to exercise at the gym, dancing and attending church. Her faith in God, love of family and love of her country were her lifelong foundations. Mary was an avid reader and very much interested in helping her community. Mary's life will be celebrated in services at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, Texas, 77062 and interment will be at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Ave, Houston, Texas 77023. Visitation 6 pm, Rosary 7 pm, on Thursday, July 16, 2015. Funeral mass at 10:30 am and interment at approximately 2 or 2:30 pm on Friday, July 17, 2015. Mary's family and community are supremely grateful to the Lord for the gift of Mary's life.