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Maria Estella Lopez, nee Ovalle, was known to all as "Stella." She was born on September 10, 1942 in San Antonio, Texas where she lived for most of her life. As the youngest of nine children, she spent her childhood years in a lively and bustling household on Ruiz Street. Stella was a graduate from Fox Tech High School and held numerous jobs throughout her lifetime including proprietor of a computer image novelty store, secretary at Trinity University, and parish secretary at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, and Holy Trinity Catholic Church. But it was her primary role as wife, mother, and homemaker that she cherished most. Stella was legendary for her cooking and made her home a warm and frequent gathering place. She had a deep religious faith and loved entertaining. Other interests included dancing, gardening, and traveling. Stella's many volunteer activities included Ridgeview Elementary PTA, Lee High School Debate Booster Club, member of the RCIA teams at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes, and member of the ACTS Retreat Team at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Stella is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, David J. Lopez, her daughters Naomi Lopez Bauman and Carisa Heiss, sons-in-law Erik Bauman and Joshua Heiss, and four grandchildren, Tristan Bauman, Mireille "Mira" Bauman, Robert "Robby" Heiss, and Olivia Heiss. She is also survived by her siblings Alice Neira, Delfina "Josie" Medina and husband Ray, Richard Ovalle, Margaret Navarro, Paul Ovalle and wife Sigi, Guadalupe "Lupe" Ovalle, as well as a large extended family and many friends. Stella is preceded in death by her parents, Hipolito and Maria de Jesus Ovalle, sister Socorro "Mary" Leal and husband Michael, brother George Ovalle and wife Dominga "Minga," and beloved son, David Marlowe Lopez. Visitation will be held at Mission Park North 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 PM. A rosary service will follow at 7 PM. A funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes 13715 Riggs Road followed by a graveside service at San Fernando Cemetery #2 746 Castroville Road. The family is grateful for the compassion and kindness that the staffs at Grace Place Adult Activity Day Center, Mother Earth Adult Day Care, and CIMA Hospice provided Stella. They are also grateful for the care provided by Dr. Ramon Reyes of Bandera Family Healthcare in Helotes and Magda Nuñez, R.N. Should friends desire, a contribution in memory of Stella Lopez in lieu of flowers may be made to: Grace Place Adult Activity Day Center Activities Fund 4306 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78229 210 735-2589

Tributes

Stella Ovalle Lopez

September 10, 1942 - November 26, 2014