Maria "Mary" Herrera Lopez passed away peacefully at her residence with her loving family by her side on September 6, 2015. She was born to Aurelia and Atilano Herrera in Kyle-Hays County, Texas on July 2, 1923. Married to Alfonso Lopez, Sr., born in Lockhart, Texas, they married in San Antonio, Texas where they made their home for their family. They had 4 beautiful children. Mary's love was overflowing and immeasurable to anyone she came to meet. Her beauty as a young woman brought her much attention. She was selected as one of the princesses for San Antonio's big Fiesta "Battle of the Flowers" Parade in her 20's. She met Alfonso, a professional carpenter, on her walk home from her workplace where she was a seamstress in downtown San Antonio. For him, it was love at first sight. Alfonso's chivalry and good looks soon won her over. Mary was meticulous of her appearance wherever she went, but little to do, it was her beauty that people noticed. She was faithfully devoted and loving to her Catholic religion. She never ceased in prayers, praying for every member in the family always individually and exclusively. Also, prayed for others and the world making her a beautiful example of a true and loving Christian in faith. Mary was the best chef, cook, and baker. She could cook all varieties of foods and make left-overs into another delicious meal. Thanks to Alfonso, she became the Tamale Queen, all his friends from his workplaces would continue year after year to request large orders of tamales during the holidays. She never followed recipes, but somehow could make the perfect Mexican food, Chinese food, Italian food, German food; gorditas, pies, cakes, any kind, empanadas, sausage, roast beef and cabbage, her menus were endless and all from scratch. She always made sure no one left her house hungry. Mary had a gift for gardening. She loved her plants, rose bushes, gladiolas, flowers. She could grow anything, fruit trees and vegetables were always in abundance with her "green thumb" care. She had an extreme talent as a seamstress. She sewed the best clothes for her children. Mary sewed prom and party dresses, all without patterns. She made a few tuxedos and suits for men, wedding dresses, costumes for school plays and Halloween, and also upholstered furniture. Mary's love was unconditional, warm, radiant, prideful, unselfish, and genuine; and will be never ending in our hearts. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Alfonso Lopez, Sr. in 2012. She is survived by her sister, Minerva "Minnie" Davila; nephew, Ben Davila; her four children, Alfonso Lopez, Jr., Evangelina Lopez Clayton (Steve), Barbara Lopez Fernandez (Robert), and Nelda B. "Bernie" Lopez (Frank Medina); and 7 grandchildren: Shawn and Eric (Brenda, mother), Brian, Steven, Nicole, Racic, and Risa. The family would like to give their deepest appreciation to her caregivers, Sandra Gomez and Becky Cardenas, whom spent may humorous and loving days with our mother. Our family was blessed to have these two dedicated and caring ladies. Also special thanks to the staff of Good Shepherd Hospice Care with Father Sherman. FUNERAL SERVICES Visitation will begin on Sunday, September 13, at 5:00 PM with the Rosary to be recited at 6:00 PM at The Angelus Chapel. Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, September 14, at 11:30 AM at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Many thanks to all our friends and family who kept her in their prayers.