On February 23, 2023, at 5:40 p.m. Rosa Maria Lopez was called to her eternal rest with our Lord in Heaven.  Rosie, as known to family and friends, passed away peacefully at her home in Laredo, Texas surrounded by her loving family.  Rosie was born and raised in Laredo, Texas where she lived all of her life.

Rosie married the love of her life Jose Alfredo Lopez, Sr. on Aug. 11, 1963.  The couple had six children, Rosa Isabel Guerra (Mario), Jose Abraham Lopez, MD (Sheila), Jose Alfredo Lopez, Jr. (Norma), Jesus Alejandro Lopez (Shelly), JoAnn Andrea Pupo (Wilmer), Javier Alberto Lopez.

She has ten grandchildren Josie E. Guerra, Jose Mario Guerra, Jr., Jose Alfredo Guerra, Mandy K. Guerra, Francis C. J. Lopez, Abraham A.J. Lopez, Caressa A. Lopez, Jose Alfredo Vito Lopez, III, Angel G. Lopez, and Emma J. Lopez. She also has five great-grandchildren, Jose Mario Guerra, III, Elle D. Hernandez, Wes A. Hernandez, Amado Mercado, and Jose Alfredo Jaylen Lopez, IV.

Rosie attended Laredo Junior College then Laredo State University presently known as Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education and subsequently obtaining her Master of Science in Education also from TAMIU.  Rosie taught for twenty-four years at various schools within the Laredo Independent School District to include Katherine Tarver Elementary, Don Tomas Sanchez Elementary, J.C. Martin Elementary, Salvador Garcia Middle School, United South Middle School, and Roosevelt Elementary. Rosie always involved her students as a History and Social Studies lesson in preparing a thirteen colonies presentation and invited the children's parents providing them with a homemade Thanksgiving meal she bought and prepared herself. At Christmas time, she continued incorporating Social Studies and Heritage lessons by preparing tamales with her students at school. She selflessly purchased and wrapped small tokens as Christmas gifts for each of her students. Because some of these schools were in underprivileged areas, some of these kids only had this Thanksgiving meal and this gift to open at Christmas.

Rosie was a devout Catholic instilling her strong faith in her children. She educated all six of her children at Mary Help of Christians School. Aside from being active within her parish, she selflessly devoted her time assisting at her children's school and such Catholic movements as the Cursillo, and the Choice youth movement at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. She was a mentor to so many at times opening her own home to troubled youth that had nowhere else to turn. She taught catechism at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, St. John Neumann Catholic Church, and San Martin de Porras Catholic Church. For numerous years she coordinated and directed the reenactment of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which included a performance by "Matachines". A dinner reception always followed in the church hall.

She was a voice for those treated unjustly and stressed the importance of education for everyone. She used her wealth of knowledge to assist others with applications for school admittance and financial assistance. Rosie also tutored and provided English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons to help so many advance in work and school.

Rosie was always outgoing and happy. She was the life of the party and enjoyed her cocktails. She loved to dance, sing and listen to music. She was a talented seamstress, and an amazing cook providing meals to others. Many friends of the family were often found around her table.

She is fondly remembered and will be missed by so many.

She is preceded in death by her father Librado A. Sanchez, her mother San Juana Sanchez, her brother Librado Sanchez, her sister Floreslinda S. Martinez, her brother Rogelio Jesus Sanchez, her sisters Belia S. Johnson, Maria Cristina S. Mendoza, Sara. S. Martinez, and Maria Elena S. Estrada.