Mary Madeline Lopez

In Loving Memory of Mary Madeline Ocana Lopez

Mary Madeline Ocana Lopez, age 78, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Monte Vista, Colorado, in the San Luis Valley, Mary was the daughter of Julian and Frances Espinoza Ocana. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Julian, Fred, Floyd, Max, Armando, and Vicki.

Mary’s lifelong love story began at boarding school in El Rito, New Mexico, now Northern New Mexico College, where she met Gilbert E. Lopez. Mary was 16 and Gilbert 18 when they married, beginning an extraordinary 63-year marriage.

As an Air Force family, Mary supported Gilbert’s military career while creating a loving home wherever life took them, including New Mexico, Michigan, Utah, Hawaii, Colorado and brief tour/visit to Italy.  They welcomed their daughter Sandy Poling in Michigan and, four years later, daughter Nancy Lopez in Utah. The family eventually settled in Aurora, Colorado.

Following Gilbert’s military retirement, Mary helped establish and manage their successful Farmers Insurance agency until retirement.

Mary was beautiful, strong, generous, feisty, and fiercely devoted to her family and pets. For many years, she hosted summer gatherings for extended family filled with food, laughter, singing, and treasured memories. She loved gardening and flowers, played the piano, enjoyed singing and karaoke, and adored her beloved dog, Chiquita.

Mary leaves behind her husband, Gilbert; daughters, Sandy and Nancy; daughter-in-law, Shawn Breslin; Chiquita; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Mary will be remembered for her strength, generosity, beautiful spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the traditions she created, and the countless memories she leaves behind.

Mary was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.