Obituary for Manuela Lopez
Manuela “ Meme” Lopez was born June 16, 1938 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico to Celestina Esquivel and Roberto Fransisco Lopez. At four years old her parents moved her to the United States and settled in Pharr, TX. They welcomed her younger sister Maria and brother Juan. Time became rough as Manuela grew into her teen years. Her mother was quite sick, so Manuela started work at the 5&10 to help out. In her early 20’s the family moved to West Chicago, seeking better work. She found work in a Green House at first and then moved to DC Electronics. During her free time, she loved to dance and often went to the dance hall in town.
One particular night she was asked to dance by a charming man, Ernesto. They became friends and enjoyed time together. But after three years of friendship, their love grew and they became a couple, inseparable. Manuela took on the role of step-mom to Ernesto’s daughters, Edna and Sandra. She loved them as her own. They were happy, but oh so tired of snow and ice. Texas seemed a much better option and they settled in La Porte when Ernesto landed a job at NASA.
Manuela enjoyed her life as a wife, mother, grandmother and Godmother to many. She loved to cook and had many family and friends that loved to eat her cooking, Ernesto being her biggest fan. She worked on many crafts, decorating the house and thoroughly enjoyed sending smiles to all in the greeting cards she sent. Ernesto seemed to have a favorite path to the Post Office for the stamps she always needed.
Manuela was a warm spirit who loved her family so much. As her health declined she was disappointed she couldn’t continue to send her cards and do all the activities she loved, including services at St. Mary’s. Manuela went home to the Lord on April 21, 2021.
She is preceded by her parents, Celestina and Roberto and brother Juan Fransisco Lopez. She is survived her loving husband of 40 years, Ernesto Gaitan; her sister, Maria Sigala and too many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and good friends to mention. She will be deeply missed.
One particular night she was asked to dance by a charming man, Ernesto. They became friends and enjoyed time together. But after three years of friendship, their love grew and they became a couple, inseparable. Manuela took on the role of step-mom to Ernesto’s daughters, Edna and Sandra. She loved them as her own. They were happy, but oh so tired of snow and ice. Texas seemed a much better option and they settled in La Porte when Ernesto landed a job at NASA.
Manuela enjoyed her life as a wife, mother, grandmother and Godmother to many. She loved to cook and had many family and friends that loved to eat her cooking, Ernesto being her biggest fan. She worked on many crafts, decorating the house and thoroughly enjoyed sending smiles to all in the greeting cards she sent. Ernesto seemed to have a favorite path to the Post Office for the stamps she always needed.
Manuela was a warm spirit who loved her family so much. As her health declined she was disappointed she couldn’t continue to send her cards and do all the activities she loved, including services at St. Mary’s. Manuela went home to the Lord on April 21, 2021.
She is preceded by her parents, Celestina and Roberto and brother Juan Fransisco Lopez. She is survived her loving husband of 40 years, Ernesto Gaitan; her sister, Maria Sigala and too many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and good friends to mention. She will be deeply missed.