Our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Leontina Marie Lopez, returned to the loving arms of her lifelong sweetheart and husband, Arthur E. Lopez, on May 28, 2019.
Tina was born on October 13, 1933 in Rio Arriba, New Mexico to Joe and Elvira Valdez. She is the 2nd eldest of eight children: Alfonzo/Pancho Valdez, Larky (Connie) Valdez, Joe (Ruby) Valdez, Priscilla (Jim) Mecham, Adelia (Roland) Schulz, Willie (Mayvon) Valdez, and Gill (Shirly) Valdez.
Tina lived several places in her lifetime, including Colorado and New Mexico before settling in Provo, Utah. There she met and married Arthur E. Lopez on September 24, 1955 and shortly after started her greatest achievement, her family.
Family was everything to Tina. She loved her children and their spouses immensely. Tina had 9 children: Leontina (lost at birth), Tinamarie (John) Teeples, Jim (Sandy) Lopez, Elizabeth (Craig) Coleman, Stephanie (Reggie) Estes, Ferman (Jeanne) Lopez, Ray (Rebecca) Lopez, Art (Cindy) Lopez, and Vickie (Ken) Grace.
The children produced from these unions were the apple of Tina’s eye. Tina accumulated 28 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren, as well as countless honorary children and grandchildren.
No one wore the title “Grandma” better than Tina. She had a handwritten paper tablet with everyone’s name, age and birthday inside. Never did a birthday go by without a call from Grandma Lopez. Every Christmas, every grandchild and great-grandchild would not leave Grandma Lopez’s house without a hug and something made by Tina.
In her life, Tina wore many professional hats. From a seamstress at Barbizon Manufacturing Company, to a Dietitian at Utah Regional Medical Center, Tina was never afraid of a hard day’s work. As Tina got older and retired from the hospital, she still stayed busy and employed. She worked at Head Start teaching English to young children and worked as a Senior Companion for Utah County. Tina loved this work and often times helped seniors much younger in years than herself with shopping and companionship. Tina spoke often of her clients/friends and was very enthusiastic about reporting for work daily.
Tina was also a master quilter. Many lucky family members and friends have received baby quilts as well as full size quilts over the years. Anyone that has ever received one of these works of art cherishes them and displays them proudly in their homes.
Tina’s other love was her church. Tina was involved her entire life with St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Provo, and later Orem. Tina served proudly as a Eucharistic Minister, was a member of the Leisure Club and helped with countless dinners and other activities at the church. In 2015, Tina was named St. Francis Woman of the Year and was honored at a banquet in Salt Lake City, where she received the award.
The last thing Tina was to everyone was a teacher. Tina taught nearly everyone how to cook our favorite meals from Grandma’s house. From Chili Verde to Salsa, Pinto Beans to Homemade Tortillas and Tamales, Tina was always willing to show you her secrets. Tina also made a mean Rice Pudding, but always had to make two large batches (one with raisons and one without). Tina also taught us how to persevere. Tina had more trials and tribulations in her life than most. Through it all, she kept her head up, stayed positive and strong. Everyone that has ever known her has the same word to describe her…“Tough”.
The two greatest things Tina taught everyone, by her example, was how to love and to be kind. Tina exuded love and kindness from every fiber of her being. Very rarely did Tina say a harsh word towards anyone. She was kind to animals, her close friends and family and any stranger she met. Everyone will miss her, but we still smile at the joyous reunion happening right now in Heaven.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 31, 2019 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 65 East 500 North, Orem, Utah. Friends may visit with the family Thursday, May 30 at the Berg Mortuary of Provo East Room, 185 East Center Street, from 6-7:30 p.m. with a Rosary from 7:30-8:00 p.m. A tribute will be held at the church Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to Mass. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at
www.bergmortuary.com.
