Aurelia Lopez

Aurelia “Lela” Romo Lopez passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024 at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona. Lela was born on November 12, 1928, literally in “Las Cuatro Milpas” a historic barrio neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona.

Lela is preceded by her parents, Andres & Maria Romo, siblings Antonio Romo, Alfonso Romo, Angel Romo, Amalia “Molly” Chavira & great grandson Daniel Lopez Jr.

Lela is survived by her loved ones, her children Ester (Steve) and Peter. Her grandchildren, Daniel Lopez (Brenda) and Cecilia Sandridge (Kevin). Her great grandchildren, Alex, Justine, Anna, Breyella, Lexiana and Mila. Her siblings, Andres, Albert, Adeline, Arthur, and her countless sobrinos, sobrinas, godchildren , and her extended chosen family.

Lela was an extraordinarily beautiful woman who dedicated herself to her parents, brothers and sisters, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends. Lela’s gift on this earth was her unconditional Love for everyone who she encountered throughout her entire life. Lela worked as a housekeeper, and everyday she took the city bus, rain or shine. She came home, after along days work, to cook for us, and to take care of the home and her dad.

My brother and I vividly remember when the sky was cloudy, mom would would cook for us a hot pot of albondiga soup. Early in the mornings mom would be pounding the “palote” (her dad hand carved in mesquite wood). The aroma of the tortillas cooking on the comal, and when the first tortilla was cooked, she smothered it with butter, and our family pet dog “Swata” would devour the first tortilla. My brother and I will cherish that moment forever. Thank you mom for being the mom who loved us no matter what.

Aurelia “Lela” Romo Lopez legacy is her Strength, Endurance, Dedication, Kindness, Empathy, Compassion, Life Experiences, Love of family and all children. Most of all she never, ever gave up on Hope.

Services to be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 9 am at St. Mary’s Basilica,231 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ. Following Mass internment at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St.,Phoenix, AZ.