Teresa Ann Lopez

To know Teresa Ann Lopez was to know and feel unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and abundant kindness.

Teresa was born September 4, 1943, in San Francisco to Leandro “Daddy” Yoldi and Mary Moler. The family eventually moved to Phoenix where her father owned Franco American Bakery.  Teresa was very proud to share that her father made the “best French bread in Arizona”.  In fact, Leandro’s secret recipe was sought after by many including Eddie Basha.

 It was in this very bakery that Teresa met and fell in love with Manuel Lopez, a Spanish immigrant sheepherder who only had $2.00 in his pocket when he came to the United States.  His Tio Ramon was friends with Teresa’s parents so one day in 1964 he brought Manuel to the bakery so they could meet; for years Manuel would tease Teresa that when he asked her out on a date that day, she said YES! before he could finish his question.  Of course, Teresa would deny this!  Eventually they married on June 5, 1965 and had three children, Ana, Lito, and Johnny. Together, they also built two successful 7-11 franchises.   For 58 years, Manny and Teresa were married, rarely going anywhere without each other.

 As a devoted daughter and sister, Teresa cared for her father and brother Lenny in her home until their deaths.  For Teresa, caring for her family was of the utmost importance to her.  
Teresa was not only a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, and nana, but she was also a huge lover of cats and dogs.  She was known to keep the neighborhood cats constantly fed and make any dog instantly fall in love with her.  Her own dogs, Chico, Chubby, Lucky, and May followed her every move and could be found right at her feet while she watched her beloved San Francisco 49ers.   

Teresa Lopez was a true angel on Earth, and we are all deeply saddened by her passing.  She is survived by her husband, Manuel Lopez; her daughter, Ana Lopez (Quihuis) and son-in-law Steve; her son Manuel “Lito” Lopez, daughter-in-law Melissa, and grandchildren, Olivia and Connor; her son, John Lopez and granddaughter Zeana; brother Frank Yoldi and sister-in-law Pat; her niece and nephews and many Moler cousins she grew up with (who know her by her nickname ‘Poochie’) especially her cousin, Mary Teresa “Cissie” Mulligan.

It is a true gift for everyone who knew and loved Teresa. She was an incredible woman who relished in the happiness of her family and friends, saw the good in those she loved, and content in taking care of all she held most dear.  

Por siempre en nuestros corazones.  Te quiero muchísimo.  

Funeral Mass for Teresa Lopez will be held on Monday, October 30th at 10AM following a 9:30AM Rosary recitation at St. Agnes Catholic Church at 1954 N. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85008 at 11AM.