Mary Morales Lopez

Although born in Durango Mexico, Mary grew up playing under the trees in Las Cruces New Mexico. She would often recount the fun she had eating pecans off the trees and swimming in waterways that included the Rio Grande. In 1960, Mary and her family moved to Tucson Arizona where she later graduated from Tucson High Magnet School (1967). She was a proud Badger and lifelong Arizona Wildcat fan.

While attending the Spanish Assembly of God Mary met her husband Richard R. Lopez. They married in June of 1970 in a double wedding alongside Mary’s sister Connie and Richard’s brother Frank. They later welcomed daughters Cathy and Celina. In June of 2021, Mary and Richard celebrated 51 years of marriage.

At the age of 23 Mary began working in education as a teacher’s assistant with T.U.S.D. Her passion for helping youth and young adults later set her on the path to serve as a community liaison, literacy specialist, elementary, middle and high school teacher as well as a youth pastor. She eventually retired from the State of Arizona having served as a social worker.

In 1992, Mary received her Associate of Arts from Pima Community College. In 1995, she graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor in Family and Consumer Sciences receiving honors from the Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society.

Mary will be especially remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, her loving nature and her love of Hallmark movies. She also enjoyed being outside in the scenic desert landscape in which she lived and enjoyed seeing the various wildlife that passed through her property.

Mary is survived by her daughters Catherine Lopez, Celina Zayas (Josh) and grandsons Elijah Lopez and José Zamora III. Survived by her six siblings and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard R. Lopez and parents Marcial Morales and Isabel Flores Morales.

Services will be held on March 15, 2023 at South Lawn Mortuary & Cemetery, 5401 S. Park Avenue. Viewing, 11:00am followed by a service, 12:00pm.