Maria Lopez

Maria Lopez, 85, of Miami Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, surrounded by her family and husband of 60+ years.  

 Born on September 27, 1938, in Havana, Cuba, she was daughter to the late Marcelino Coalla and Remedios Arias of Gijon, Asturias (Spain).  

 Maria was an avid bird watcher and wildlife photographer-many of her photographs now grace her family's walls. She had a deep interest in her family history and over the years, created multiple genealogy books tracing her family tree and detailing her family’s background. In her youth, she was a formidable tennis player and enjoyed playing ping pong, pool and gardening. She was an expert homemaker and kept a meticulously clean and neat home. She enjoyed spending time with friends and making others laugh. Above all, she was a devoted wife and partner to her husband of more than 60 years, Alfredo, and a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. In 2022, Maria was diagnosed with PSP, a form of Parkinson’s. She fought mightily against the illness, which eventually robbed her of her ability to walk, move and even communicate. The grace, dignity and humor with which she managed her disease will forever be an inspiration to those who knew her.  

 Maria is survived by Alfredo Lopez (Spouse), Georgina Coalla (Sister), Henry Lopez-Aguiar (Brother-in-law), Grace Lopez-Aguiar (Sister-in-law), Mary Lopez Golden (Daughter), Robert Golden (Son-in-law), Alfred Mark Lopez (Son), Dominique Martine Lopez (Daughter-in-law), Jordan Krajacic Lopez (Grandson), Alex Wierzbecka Lopez (Granddaughter), Reagan Elizabeth Lopez (Granddaughter), Liana Maria Lopez (Granddaughter), Carlos Juan Lopez (Nephew), Alexandra Lopez-Aguiar (Niece).  

 The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 950 Darrell Creek Trail, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466.   

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Benedict Catholic Church, 950 Darrell Creek Trail, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. 

 Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.  

 Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith, Mount Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884 3833.