Wanda Lopez

Obituary of Wanda Lou Lopez

Wanda Lopez, passed away peacefully in Scotts Valley, CA. with her family by her side. Wanda was 91 years of age. She leaves behind her children, Freda Barnum(Gary) of Watsonville, CA. Danny Senn (Lisa) of Albuquerque, NM. Michael Lopez (Jody) of Scotts Valley, CA. Mindy Rogers (Jimmie) of Santa Cruz, CA., Kim Hoogestede (Bart) of Santa Cruz, CA. She leaves fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Ben Lopez, daughter Stephanie Clowser, infant daughter Kris Lopez, three sisters, brother and parents. Wanda was born April 25th, 1931 to Clifton and Minnie Reddin. She grew up in a small sawmill town in Arkansas. In her early twenties, Wanda followed her siblings to California with her first husband and child. Wanda decided to stay in the Santa Cruz area with her family even though her siblings moved back to Arkansas. She eventually welcomed her second child and became a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz for 70 plus years. Wanda met her second husband, Ben Lopez at the former Mushroom Plant in town. He was her boss. He wanted to ask her on a date but his English was not great. He wrote a note and asked a coworker to give her the note. She said yes to a date and the rest is history. Wanda was employed at the Seabright Cannery for a while as well. She then went to work at John Ingalls Frozen Foods for 30 plus years until retirement. She worked the wrapper line for years before being promoted as the only female A-1 Line Mechanic and was head of the SEIU Union for John Ingalls. She worked hard throughout the years to help provide for her family. Instilling a hard, diligent work ethic in her children and grandchildren. Wanda was the epitome of hard work and proof that it truly pays off. Wanda and Ben had four children together, raising six total. The family moved to the West side of Santa Cruz in1969. Wanda stayed in the same home for 50 years. She was a mother figure to the neighborhood children as well. The Lopez home was where all the kids would hang out. They all loved and respected her, even up to her passing. She was always there for them. Her retirement years she enjoyed being with her family and grandchildren. She enjoyed going to her grandchildren's sporting events. At times watching a few innings of Little League baseball all the way through high school years at one field, drive across town to see another game. There was football, soccer, and martial arts as well. She was their biggest fan. Wanda enjoyed going to Thousand Trails in early years to camp with her family. Her hobbies were walking along West Cliff Dr. by the ocean, doing puzzles, word finds, adult coloring art books. She was a great seamstress. She liked old western movies, classic family shows and The Price is Right. An Oakland A's faithful fan. Her love of country music was a big part of her life, along with her sweet tea. Wanda was a one of a kind Southern lady. If she called you 'Hun' it meant love. If you said "I love you" she would reply "I love you more." She will live on through us all and will be missed. We love you more Mom. Celebration of life will be held Saturday January 21st,2023 11:00am to 12:00pm at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Chapel. 1050 Cayuga St. Santa Cruz, CA / Reception to follow 1:00pm-4:00pm at Seacliff Inn 7500 Old Dominican Ct. Aptos, CA Buffet Luncheon/no host bar.

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Saturday
21
January

Memorial Service

11:00 am - 12:00 am
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, Santa Cruz, CA
1050 Cayuga Street Santa
Cruz, California, United States
(831) 423-5721
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