Alicia Maria Lopez

Alicia Maria Lopez, age 91, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away on October 25, 2026, in Savanna.

Born on November 7, 1934, in Guatemala, Alicia was the daughter of Antonio and Maria (Delones Tobar) Duarte, and the eldest of six children. At the age of 12, she moved with her family to the United States, growing up in the Los Angeles area. As the oldest sibling, Alicia naturally stepped into a caretaking role, helping raise her brothers and sisters. She graduated from high school in California, where her striking green eyes and kind spirit caught many an eye.

In 1958, Alicia married the love of her life, Alexander Lopez. Together, they raised a large, bustling family of six children. Dedicated to education and community, Alicia worked as a school faculty member and teacher's aide throughout her life. To her children, she was a strict yet fiercely loving mother who always put her family before herself.

Deeply devoted to her faith, Alicia's religion was a cornerstone of her life. A longtime member of Calvary Chapel, she found immense joy in fellowship and worship, whether in California or after moving to Savanna in 1998, where she faithfully attended the church across from Lincoln School.

In her quieter moments, Alicia loved to crochet, skillfully creating tiny shoes, hats, and clothing with her own hands. She also enjoyed unwinding with her favorite Spanish soap operas (novellas). Above all, Alicia cherished being surrounded by her family. Known by all as one of the sweetest, kindest, and most selfless ladies you could ever meet, her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were her greatest pride and joy.

Alicia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alexander; her parents, Antonio and Maria; her brother Robert; her sister Martha; and three of her children, Elizabeth, Michael, and Alex.

She is survived by her loving children, Daniel (Priscilla) Lopez of Savanna, Aurora Blais of Savanna, and Elisa (Tommy) Ponce of Pomona, California; her brother, Reginald (Sonya) Duarte of San Bernardino, California; her sisters, Maria "Tita" Duarte of San Pedro, California, and Leticia Adams of San Francisco, California; her 15 beloved grandchildren, Jerry Federico, Alexis Lopez, Armando (Dayna) Loaiza, Adriana Lopez, Vanessa Lopez, Danny Lopez, Robert Lopez, Stephanie Lopez, Alex (Terrah) Castro, Roger (Vanessa) Blais, Mikie Blais, Angel Lopez, Felicia (Marco) Chavez, Joey Ramirez, and Tommy Ramirez; as well as 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.