August 18, 1931 – October 20, 2025
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Mary Elena Lopez, who died peacefully on October 20, 2025 at St. John of God Care Center in Los Angeles.
Sister Mary Elena was proud to be a woman religious, an American and an eighth-generation Latina from Tucson. She said, “My family was there before Arizona became a territory!”
Mary Elena embraced her ministry in education and school administration for over 50 years. She was a beloved teacher, though much of her life was spent in leadership as principal. She reached out to students, parents and teachers with warmth, common sense, humor and high ideals for moral and academic excellence in the school. She was described as having an unflappable composure. She had a self-effacing presence, quiet humor and genuine concern for everyone.
Thank you, Sister Mary Elena, for your total gift of self in service to others and in community. You have responded to the needs of the dear neighbor with excellence, tempered by gentleness and joy.
May she rest in peace.
Rest in peace, sister, Maria, and Elena