Elsa Calvillo Lopez
July 1, 1946 — September 21, 2024
Elsa Calvillo Lopez, a beloved matriarch whose warmth and laughter enriched the lives of all who knew her, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, in Rio Rico, Arizona. Born on July 1, 1946, in Nogales, Arizona, she was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her life. Elsa was a beloved member of the Nogales High School Class of 1966.
Elsa dedicated many years to a fulfilling career that showcased her nurturing spirit and commitment to service. She worked as a customs administrator, security staff at Nogales High School and Rio Rico High School, a teacher's aide in San Jose, California, and concluded her career as a mail carrier at the San Jose Post Office. Her passion for helping others extended beyond her professional life; she was also a devoted volunteer who gave her time to assist with the census and education in elementary schools.
Elsa was a loving wife and is survived by her husband, Enrique Lopez. She leaves an extraordinary legacy through her children, sons Arthur Cruz (Val) and stepchildren Enrique Lopez, Maria Elena Lopez, and Jovanna Lopez. She deeply cherished her family, including her brothers John, Adan, and David Calvillo, and sisters Adela Del Real, Grace Velez, Rachel Coronado, Dolores Calvillo, Eva Calvillo, Lucia Calvillo, and Gloria Soto. Elsa was proud of her role as a grandmother to ten grandchildren and a great-grandmother to thirteen great-grandchildren.
Elsa's personality reflected her profound love for family and spiritual nature. She possessed an innate ability to light up any room with her radiant smile and infectious laughter, creating an atmosphere of joy wherever she went. Her passions also shone through in her hobbies; she loved music, dancing, and, during her younger years, baking cookies and producing treats that her family will fondly remember.
An unforgettable tradition for Elsa was her love for Christmas. As the holiday season approached, her home was filled with the joyous sounds of Christmas music—a sentiment that resonated with her spirit of celebration. Thanksgiving was particularly special to her as she gathered her family and delighted them with her exceptional cooking, bringing everyone together around the table.
Her life was underscored by the love and support of both her family and friends. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Gabriela H Calvillo, and her brothers, Joe, Carlos, Armando, and Francisco Jr. Calvillo.
Elsa's family invites all who knew and loved her to join them for a time of remembrance and celebration of her life. Visitation services were held on September 24, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and again on September 25, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Martinez Funeral Chapels in Nogales, Arizona. A prayer service followed on September 24 at 7:15 PM, and a Mass occurred on September 25 at 1:00 PM at San Felipe de Jesus Parish in Nogales, Arizona.
As we bid farewell to Elsa Calvillo Lopez, we remember her as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her love, laughter, and family devotion legacy will forever remain etched in our hearts.