Maria Victoria Lopez-Colunga

Maria (Mary) Victoria Lopez-Colunga, age 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep of natural causes, on December 26, 2014 in Wakefield, Kansas with her devoted husband, Samuel Colunga, by her side.

Mary was born November 17, 1930 in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of Antonio and Casimira Lopez. She grew up surrounded by the love of her parents and her three brothers and five sisters.

Mary lived at home until 1947 when she married Pedro Vasquez. The young couple started a family shortly thereafter, and were blessed with three healthy sons: Pete Jr., Roger and Robert.

After a long and fruitful life together, Mary and Pedro parted ways and began their respective lives anew.

Mary's strength and determination made her a savvy businesswoman, first as a sales associate and buyer of diamonds at Payless and Alamo Jewelry as well as real estate investments. Her loving and gentle nature was evident in her work as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), providing care for people in need and later providing hospice care.

Mary met Samuel Colunga and they became husband and wife on May 23, 1975. Sam's kind and generous nature made him a wonderful addition to her family.

Mary spent the majority of her life in San Antonio, surrounding herself with the love and support of friends and family; but in 1999 Mary and Sam moved to Kansas to be near her brother, Antonio Jr. (Tony). Mary and Sam purchased a 37-acre ranch from her brother, Tony. There they raised various farm animals and grew alfalfa. She and Sam loved the ranch and was busy doing something everyday on the property.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters (Angie and Alicia) and one brother (Tony). She is survived by her husband, Samuel Colunga; sons, Pete Jr. (JoAnn) of Citrus Heights, CA, Roger (Esther) of San Antonio, TX and Robert (Andrea) of Carmichael, CA; brothers Adolfo and Tomas (Esther) and sisters Olivia, Terry (Ernest) and Tilly; ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and close friends.

Burial will take place at Ft. Riley, Kansas.