Celia Valero Lopez

Celia Valero López, was born October 27, 1931 to Guillermo and Antonia (Reynoso) Valero, in Cuxpala, Zacatecas, México. She moved with her family in 1950 to Tijuana and worked as a cashier. Celia moved to Visalia in 1955 a head of her family and was reunited with them a month later.

Once in the United States Celia found the love of her life, Pablo Lopez and married him on May 30, 1959; after wards they moved to Yettem, CA where they started their family. They work side by side as farm laborers. Later in life she stayed home to attend to her family.

In 1976 Pablo and Celia moved to Visalia, where they grew their own fruit. They had many friends that visited regularly to enjoy their fruits and long conversations with them. Mom looked forward to seeing those cars drive up. Celia was well known for her cooking and her cross stitching. Many tables and beds are covered with her embroidery. As soon as she knew of a new addition to the family, Celia would get the name to make that special pillowcase that all grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family display very proudly. Many were very fortunate to have received a personalized pillowcase. She also enjoyed cooking for the family, as a tradition on Sunday, we gathered to enjoy her famous fresh pot of Menudo and homemade tortillas.

Celia is preceded in death by her parents Guillermo and Antonia Valero, her siblings Jose, Jesse, Maria and Esperanza Valero, her son Louie Lopez and her grand-daughter Vanessa Lopez.

Celia is survived by her loving husband Pablo Lopez of 56 years, children Armida (Joe) Martinez of Woodlake, Daniel (Wanda) Lopez of Dinuba, daughter in law Mandy (Louie) Lopez of Woodlake, Rebecca (Cruz) Castillo of Woodlake, Gloria (Leon) Verburg of Visalia, Oscar (Renee) Lopez of Visalia. Sister Mary (Julio) Luna of Visalia, brothers Al (Rosemarie) Valero and Humberto (Juanita) Valero of Woodlake. She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren, 14 great grand-children, and numerous nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

Visitation will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel, 134 N. Cypress St., Woodlake on Monday, February 22nd from 4-5:45p.m. follow by Rosary at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church 198 N. Pepper St., Woodlake at 6:00 p.m. A Christian Burial Mass will be celebrated at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church on Tuesday, February 23rd, at 9:00 a.m. follow by graveside at the Woodlake Public Cemetery.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millermemorialchapel.com.