Genevieve V Lopez was a gift to this world starting on September 27, 1937. She was loved and cherished by everyone that knew her. She lived her life committed to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On March 3, 2022, she took a hold of His hand as He led her to her Heavenly home where she will praise Him forever!
Genevieve was born in Lordsburg, New Mexico and moved with her mom and siblings to Oxnard, California when she was 12 years old. She attended Wilson Jr. High, and graduated from Oxnard High School in 1954. She had a very strong work ethic. She worked at the Ventura County Library for 10 years, then with the Social Security office. She retired after 22 years of service.
In 1963 Genevieve met her future husband, Enrique “Rick” Lopez. They dated and got married in December 1966. They had two daughters Christina and Linda. Genevieve was a good wife, and great “Mama” to her daughters. They loved her very much! She taught them life values and the importance of having faith as a foundation for their life. She was also always learning, growing and striving to become more like Christ (Galatians 2:20).
Genevieve was active in her community and was a faithful servant of the Lord (Mark 10:45). She was a member at El Buen Pastor for over 30 years. She was loved by all and excelled as the Superintendent of Sunday School. She loved teaching the “jovenes” (teenagers) and encouraging them to live a life with God and the importance of not going astray in their relationship with God. In 2004 she began attending New Life. She attended women's bible studies, including one led by her daughter. On Sundays she served in the Hospitality Ministry serving coffee and donuts to the families. She was also a part of the Jail Ministry teaching the women inmates about the love of God. She also served with the Bulletin Ministry folding, cutting and getting them ready for Sunday services. Everywhere she served she made people feel loved, welcomed and special. Her sense of humor made her extra special because she made you laugh, chuckle or walk away with a smile on your face. No wonder her high school nickname was “Joker.”
Genevieve was a loving, vibrant person. She made so many friends throughout her life. She was so creative and enjoyed hosting the “crafty ladies” group in her home. For over two decades she used her creativity to create personalized cards for family and friends, earrings, and blankets all while hosting the women who brought their own creativity to the group to work on projects: knitting, crocheting, sewing, fixing projects… you name it they did it!
Genevieve also experienced a lot of hardships, first through the death of her daughter, Linda, then her mom and several of her siblings. Yet each life and death experience drew her closer to her Savior as He comforted her and gave her the strength to comfort and encourage others in the journey. During the past 19 months her life verse became Psalm 27:13, "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." There are too many examples to share, but she lived this verse until the day she returned home to be with Jesus.
She is preceded in death by her father, Octaviano Valdez, and mother, Lucy Jimenez; siblings: Belen Robles, Joe Valdez, Alfonso “PeeWee” Valdez, Ruben Jimenez; and daughter Linda Lopez. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Rick Lopez, and daughter, Christina and son-in-law Argen Odom; sisters: Ramona Valenzuela, Josie Valdez, and Alice Trejo (Jaime); and her baby girls: Marisol Hernandez (Kris), and Esther Pantoja (Andrew); and many blessings of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, March 14 at 11:00am at the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 757 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001. The burial will be at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Rd, Ventura, CA 93003 immediately following the service.