Frances Q. Lopez

On Tuesday, July 26, 2016, the Lord called one of his special Angels home. She was a mother who loved all her family, relatives and friends without conditions and a woman who was loved by family, friends, and acquaintances. She was selfless and extremely giving of herself in helping and supporting not only her family but anyone and all who were in need. The Angels name was Frances Q. Lopez, affectionately known as Pancha. Frances was born on July 6, 1929 in Denver, Colorado. She was the daughter of Aurelia Baca and Rosendo Garcia. Raised in Wagon Mound, NM, where she graduated in 1947. Her dream and career hopes were of becoming an elementary teacher was put on hold when she met and married Carlos E. Lopez. Frances and Carlos were married 65 years and together had 10 children. A caring, loving and attentive stay-at-home mom not only to her children, but to countless others who were welcomed to stay as long as they wanted and needed. She was a substitute teacher with the Wagon Mound Public Schools. She was one of the organizers of the HELP Programs in Wagon Mound, worked at the HOPE Medical Center, Vista Program in Estancia and as a teacher’s aide at the Estancia Elementary. She retired after working over 15 years as a “Case Worker” with the State of New Mexico, Children, Youth and Family Services Division. Among her many joys were her involved activities in community based organizations, such as the Mavericks, La Sociedad del Sagrado Corazon, election poll worker, and Mayerdoma at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Estancia. Known for her truly tasty and filling home bakings; her toritillas, torta de huego, pastelitos, empanadas, posle, chile, biscochitos and sopa were constantly present in her meal preparation. Frances took great pride in the appearance of her home. She taught every one of her children the virtue and pride of having a clean house, clothing and food. Mom was a true believer in control of her children and would control their behavior with simply her eyes. She also believed in teaching her children by using “dichos”. Among her favorite dichos were: 1. Hijos, ya para cuando ustedes van, ya yo vengo. 2. Muchachos, si van aser cosas tontas y estupidas, se tienen que aser fuerte. This was both physical and mental toughness. 3. Estense quietos, van a pensar que estamos locos. 4. When Marie and mom got lost while shopping “Hija, ya andamos por las chiches perdidas.” Always the disciplinarian, she would not tolerate nonsense. Extremely proud of having raised 10 children and that not a single one ever got in major trouble with law enforcement. Her six sons are all military veterans. She has three grandsons who are also veterans or presently on active duty. Frances was preceded in death by: her husband, Carlos, son, Michael, mother Aurelia, her dad, Rosendo, brother Bialquin and sister Helen. She is survived by her children: Carlos, Las Vegas, NM, Alfred & Sal, Los Lunas, NM, Connie & Frank Smith, Las Vegas, Nev., Gloria Marie, Estancia, NM, Robert, Las Vegas, NM, Cecelia & Don Baca, Estancia, NM, Donald & Sandy, Pecos, NM, Joseph & Kim, Cedar Hill, Missouri, and Loretta & Jerome McTeigue, Hondo, NM, her sisters, Marie, Betty, and Dolores, 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Mom—Frances “Pancha” we are definitely going to miss your beautiful smile, simple not-so fancy but delicious foods, hugs, kisses and hearing you call us by our special nicknames you had for us. A devout Catholic; There is no doubt that Her Savior was waiting for her and greeted her with open arms and a “Welcome Home Hug.” Funeral Arrangements are: Rosary, Thursday, July 28, 2016, 7:00 pm and Funeral, Friday, July 29, 2106, 10:00 am at the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Estancia, NM. Pall Bearers are her sons and grandson, Carlos, Alfred, Robert, Donald, Joseph and Carl S. Honorary Pall Bearers are Deanna Lopez, Scott Smith, and Veronica Lujan.