Celia Lopez

Celia Guzman Lopez, 92, passed way on November 8, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. She was born on September 6, 1925 in Gagetown, Michigan to Juan and Teresa Guzman. She was the youngest and only girl of six Guzman children. Celia was raised in Dallas, Texas and attended Travis Elementary during the Depression period. Celia married Jesse Lopez in 1944 and had four children (Jesse, Teresa, Joseph and James). Beginning as child to early adulthood, Celia was a professional and consummate musician, who played the piano and accordion, and at times performed on live radio with a big band on top of the Stoneleigh Hotel. Later, she worked as a seamstress for seventeen years making special dresses for a Dallas company who had contracts with major local department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Sangers and Harris. She first raised her sons, Jesse and Joseph. Her second child, Teresa, died at birth. At the age of 40, she gave birth to her fourth child, James. She and her husband, Jesse, raised James, and also greatly assisted in raising their grandson Joseph Edward. She was blessed to have three grandchildren (Joseph Edward, James David II, and Jonathan David) and three great grandchildren (Arielle, Julian and Madeline). Celia enjoyed movies, symphonies, concerts, mariachis, dining, viewing television, listening to a variety of music, playing the piano, and especially enjoyed being with her family for any and all occasions. She loved ice cream and deserts, and so much enjoyed her first morning cup of coffee. Coffee was extra good with pan dulce, lemon or cocoanut cake. She possessed a unique sensitive nature with pets and they, too, reciprocated and expressed affection. Whenever facing adversity, Celia would say special prayers. She and, Jesse, would say, “It’s not the end of the world.” Celia would also say, “Life is what you make it”, “Speak up if something is wrong”, and ‘Stand up straight, hold your head high, put your shoulders back and let them know you are somebody.” Her family and friends will always remember her gentleness, strength, goodness and kindness, along with her beautiful smile, laugh, wit and sense of humor. Celia possessed a deep faith in God, Christ and the Holy Mother, Mary. She was completely selfless and immensely loved her family, husband, children and all family members. Some individuals on earth serve as Angels on earth. Celia, also called Sally, was one of those special Angels. We will forever keep her in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. “Thank you Mom for the beautiful love and life you gave us.” Celia is preceded in death by: Juan and Teresa, mother and father; Mike, Jimmy, Natividad, and Cruz, four brothers; Jesse, her husband; and Teresa, daughter. Celia is survived by: John Guzman, brother; Jesse Lopez, Joseph Lopez, PhD., James Lopez, sons; Tracy Lopez, Choe Lopez daughters-in-law; Joseph Edward Lopez, James David Lopez II, and Jonathan David Lopez, grandsons; and Arielle Lopez, Julian Lopez and Madeline Lopez, great grandchildren, including many beloved nieces and nephews from the Lopez, Guzman and Ramirez families. God bless Celia and all mothers, for mothers are truly sacred. Arrangements under the direction of Gonzalez Funeral Home and Crematory, DALLAS, TX. Young Memory Beside the soft white marble bird bath, she stands Long and soft chiffon dressed Angel With graceful smile and deep dark sparkling eyes A sweet brief moment captured long ago by lens What innocent thoughts and dreams were yours When happiness visited the heart with ease The years and days beyond would bring Sweet laughter and salty tears Dreams and schemes and hopeful wishes Shadows and some shown faces Some to disappear and others to remain Time’s hands brushes away youthful beauty The sun of early spring is naught But the winter moon holds steady her glow Your divine spark shines greater still For your heart is more sacred and younger than before Filled with richness of selfless love Given to family and sons. Joseph G. Lopez, Ph.D. Celia She was young, delicate and beautiful As many young girls she had her dreams Images of being a teacher, an artist on stage Doing something important in life Giving to the world the miraculous music in her heart Yes, marriage was also a thought That would flutter like a butterfly Forming images in her mind All sounds and symbols in perfect presence In all horizons yet to shine across a human life Though she love all--- the one she adored most Who held her closely to his heart for eleven brief years Would leave not by choice one tragic day in February Memories of his love and all that he was and how he gave To be wrapped in ribbons of eternal love around the heart and memory Her gift of music journeyed from heart and soul to the keys Consummate fingers effortlessly moved across magically Giving joy and life to family and all as enchantment touched their hearts The music she gave unselfishly and the melodious sounds would never end For within the veins of her sons the magic continues ---to reveal itself The years that follow continued to offer tender love All five brothers and Wita prized her as the One Love manifested often by lovely gifts But most of all through smiles, words, laughter and true care Each treasuring the One single jewel of the family In time a lonely but true heart would touch hers A full life of marriage, children and hard work would follow As Pearl’s story the Good Earth would be her part to play No stage, no audience, but yes much applause from those Who were blessed by her forever presence in every sunrise Praise to each mother whose first dreams remain dreams But who serve as dream makers for the children she loves We can never give to them all that they have given to us As the sun and rain nurtures and gives life Our blossoms of beauty are to be shown in acts of kindness and love. Joseph Guzman Lopez, Ph.D.