Candelaria (Connie) Lopez

Candelaria (Connie) Cortez Lopez went peacefully to her Heavenly Father on October 15, 2025. She was 78.

A beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, Connie lived a life full of love for her family, community, and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To her final days, her hope was always that others would know and accept Jesus into their hearts as she did some 50 years ago.

Connie leaves a legacy of service to her country and ministry for her God. She spent many years of her time on earth praying for others, sharing God’s word, leading others toward better lives in Christ, and giving her wisdom and grace. She helped countless people through her work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, retiring after 40 years of dedication. Connie continues to be known for her hard work ethic, tenacity, and drive to be the best she could be. She also was known for her generosity and giving nature, always putting others first.

She is survived by four children: Lisa (and Roger) Martinez, Isabella (and Juan) Sabido, David (and LoAna) Lopez, and Alexander (and Jessica) Lopez, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She also is survived by siblings Ofelia Hernandez, Martha Warwick, Rosie (and Jesse) Ortega, John Henry Cortez, and Paul Rios, several nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of friends, all of whom she cherished.

Connie was preceded in death by son Joe “Joey” Lopez, mother Rosa Cortez, father Martin Rios, brothers Victor Rios and Martin Cortez, and grandson Marc Martinez.

Pall bearers are Connie’s grandsons: Matthew Lopez, Jon Sabido, David Lopez II, Max Martinez, Dylan Lopez, and Jalen Lopez.

The family would like to extend their most sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at Baylor Scott and White Surgical ICU for ensuring Connie’s last days and moments were filled with peace, love, and comfort.

As Proverbs 31 tells us about a woman who fears God, Connie’s children call her blessed, for a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Thus, we honor our precious mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, minister, and friend.

“Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:31 (ESV)

Services and celebrations for our beloved Connie will be held at Waco Memorial, located at 6623 Interstate 35 S in Waco, Tx (76706), with Pastor Derek Cowan officiating. Viewing is scheduled for Monday, October 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 21, at 11:00 a.m.