Maria Elena Torres Lopez

MAY 25, 1935 - JULY 28 2021

On May 25th, 1935, a legacy started. In the great city of Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico, a beautiful little girl was born to Mr. Doroteo Torres and Mrs. Tomasa Torres Soto named Maria Elena Torres Soto. She had a very happy childhood filled with adventure, creativity and enlightenment.

On August 28th, 1951, The Good News reached the Torres family, and Maria Elena was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ at the Apostolic Church of Nogales Sonora, Mexico where she would make the best decision of her life.

While in her youth, she participated in various Church events, she talked about the times that she went with her father to conventions and services in different places and helped her father with his church positions.

Little did she know that a young servant of God would cross her path and would change her life forever. Benjamin F Lopez and Maria Elena would join hearts and make a covenant before God in marriage July 2,1961.

God blessed her with three daughters: Maria Elena L Romero, Lourdez L Verduzco, Raquel L Jimenez and a son Benjamin Lopez Jr., whom she instructed in the ways of the Lord and are all baptized in Jesus Name. The Lord allowed her to meet nine of her grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way, whom she adored and cherished.

In 1995, Maria Elena lost the love of her life. Benjamin went to be with the Lord. But this did not slow her down. She assumed the lead role as a grandparent to keep working hard and instructing her family in love and advice. There was not a time when the doors of her house were closed. She lovingly cared for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The house of "Nana Lena'' was a place of happiness, love and God’s presence. Not to mention, when you walked in her house the aroma of fresh food always filled the air. The holidays were a great time of fellowship, family and happiness. Maria Elena loved her family very much and made an effort so that all her children were well and served the Lord.

Maria Elena's home was the place where the Apostolic Assembly Embracing Hope blanket ministry started in the Arizona District. She attended and supported her daughters in their leadership roles in Az embracing Hope, Dorcas Camps and National conferences. She loved traveling with her daughters, where the Lopez girls were, there was their precious mother supporting them.

Maria Elena was a strong woman of leadership and character. She was determined in everything she did. She was the perfect Proverbs 31 woman: wise and charitable. Her selfless acts influenced those around her. Her humor brought great laughter and joy everywhere she went. She brought all these things and more, until the end, she fought to live.

An 86-year legacy is not an easy walk, but it will continue for generations, until we see ourselves once again in the presence of the Lord. But this legacy that will never be erased. A legacy of faith and love. She will live on in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and for future generations. A divine blessing that does not end with her but will continue into eternity.