Elsa Sáenz Lopez was born at home in Banquete, Texas, to Fortino and Feliciana Alvarez Sáenz on March 19, 1932, and she went home to reside with her Lord on September 22, 2024. She was the youngest of five children and had fond memories of growing up in Banquete, where her parents owned a local grocery store, gasoline station, and cotton farm.

Elsa was a tough Banquete Bulldog all her life. She got her love of softball and enjoyment of life from her mother. She inherited her love of entrepreneurial endeavors from her father. She graduated from Texas A&I Kingsville with a degree in Spanish, and she played percussion in the A&I band during her college years.

Elsa married Ramon Chapa Lopez on December 19, 1954, and they raised three daughters together in their 59 years of marriage. She became a schoolteacher and enjoyed a long career at Chula Vista, Prescott and Smith Elementaries. She was also a long time Sunday school teacher at Kelsey Memorial United Methodist.

Elsa gave her retirement years to volunteer activities such as becoming an adult education teacher for English, and many years with the Spohn South Hospital Auxiliary.  She chose to volunteer in the hospital mailroom so that she could deliver the mail and socialize with workers all around the building.  She quit volunteering when her husband became ill, however, maintained loving relationships  throughout the years with those with whom she worked.  Elsa coveted friendships with those younger than herself.  Even in her older years and many losses, she still had friends to visit from those who were at least 20 years younger than herself.

Family traditions from her childhood became monthly family merienda time.  She also hosted the yearly Thanksgiving gathering for all of the extended family around Corpus Christi.

Elsa was preceded in death by her husband, Ramon C. Lopez, brothers Fortino Sáenz Jr., Raul Sáenz, and Emilio Sáenz, and sister Elia Sáenz Field.  She is survived by her daughters Yvette Lopez, Denise Espino (David, MD), Sonya Lewis (Sanford), and grandchildren Raquel Espino, Silas(Brianna) Espino, DPM, Elijah Lewis (Abigail) and Joshua Lewis. Elsa became a great-grandmother on November 10, 2023, with the birth of Mateo Silas Espino, and she had the joy of meeting and holding him over this past year.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Bernice Sáenz, and by numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

The Lopez family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us during this time of loss.

There will be A Celebration of Life on October 5th at Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church . Visitation will be from 12-1:30 , Service will be at 2pm with Merienda to follow at the church.