Maria Evangelina Lopez

Maria Evangelina Lopez of Tiffany Colorado passed peacefully on May 20, 2023 at the age of 83.  Maria “Benji” was born on May 16, 1940 to Victoriano and Avelina Trujillo and spent much of her childhood on Middle Mesa.

Maria married the love of her life, Benjamin (Benny) Rumaldo Lopez, on February 20, 1969 and together they raised 4 children – Carlos, Christine, Alexander and Rosalio (Ross).  Mary was a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed cooking for her family and their friends.  It was said that if you showed up to her house, you were fed.  Even if you weren’t hungry!

When she was younger, Maria and her sisters herded goats on horseback from the family ranch in Tiffany.  After she and Benny were married, she worked side by side with him building fence for many years – taking the kids right along with them.  When they had any opportunity to go out, Maria and Benny enjoyed going to local dances – especially the Fiesta Days dance where they loved the Spanish American music.  Maria also enjoyed making flower arrangements and loved to share them with the community.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents, husband Benjamin; children Carlos, Christine and Rosalio; brothers Robert Trujillo, Victor Trujillo, Margarito Trujillo and JoJo Trujillo as well as sisters Andrea Casias, Connie Albo and Agnes Christianson. 

Maria is survived by her son Alexander Lopez; Brothers Don (Kathy) and Fernando Trujillo; Sisters Lucy (Ron) Albrite, Mary (Phillip) Casias, Elaine Trujillo, Gloria White and Eva (Frank) Espinosa as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, May 27, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Ignacio followed by a graveside service at the Tiffany Cemetery and a meal at the Mt. Allison Grange.