On Friday, November 25, 2022, Helen Lopez (Mom), beloved mother, passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was seventy-nine. Born to Victoria and Juan Lopez in the city of New York. Helen worked over thirty years for the NYC department of education as a paraprofessional, working in special education where she positively impacted generations of families.
Mom was happily retired for seventeen years and loved spending time with her beloved life partner of over thirty-seven years Raul Ruiz. She cherished their frequent visits together to the casino and spending their retirement together. Mom was an avid reader and loved playing word and puzzle games, but Mom's greatest joy in life was making others feel special. She never forgot a birthday, anniversary or special occasion and was known for her warm personalized handwritten notes she included in every greeting card. Mom was also very generous, while earning a modest salary and raising five children, she always provided and made sure we felt good about ourselves by keeping us well dressed, and well fed.
Survived by life partner Raul Ruiz, brother John Lopez, her five children Ralph A. Vega, Helen Mata, Cynthia R. Vega, Rodney E. Vega and Jason J. Vega. Her 6 grandsons, Jonathan, Andrew, Branden, Justin, Dylan and Jayden.
Extended family: Norma Lopez, Tracey Lousell, Jose A. Mata, Maritza Vega, Romar Evans, Raissa Evans, Kanjanaporn "Apple" Temeesrisuk, Raul Ruiz Jr., Josette Ruiz, Raul I. Ruiz, Brandon Ruiz, Jesenia Ruiz and Xavier Ruiz. Maribel Lallave, Samuel Lallave, Priscilla Lallave, Samantha Lallave, Selena Lallave, Samuel Lallave Jr. and countless other extended members such as beloved nephews, nieces, cousins and lifetime friends made over the years.
The viewing will be held on Thursday, December 1st, 2022, from 1:30pm to 8:30pm at Thomas C. Montera, Inc. Funeral Home, 1848 Westchester Ave., Bronx, NY 10472. On Friday, December 2nd, at 10:00am, a mass will take place at St. Luke's Church, 623 E. 138th St. Bronx, NY 10454, with a burial to follow at St. Raymond's Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Ave., Bronx, NY 10465 at 11:45AM.