Obituary of Mary M. Lopez

Mary M. Lopez (née Loughran), of Florham Park, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024. She was 79.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 59 years, Gabriel Lopez; four cherished children Gabriel P. Lopez, Damien T. Lopez, Geneviève M. (Lopez) Anderson and her husband Chris, and Deirdre A. (Lopez) Shaw and her husband Duncan; two treasured grandchildren Eleanor M. Anderson and Claire T. Anderson; one sister, Nancy Loughran Horrigan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Loughran.

Mary was born in New York City on August 31, 1945, to the late William James and Mary Anne Loughran (née Treanor). She was raised in the north Bronx and graduated from St. Barnabas high school.

Mary met her husband Gabriel in the theatre at Fordham University while he was studying there. The couple were married on June 12, 1965, and moved to New Jersey in 1978. They first settled in Chatham, then in New Vernon in 1987. Mary was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner and member of the choir at the Church of Christ the King.

An active thespian, Mary performed on stage throughout high school and college, spent the summer of '65 doing summerstock with Gabe in the Poconos after they married, and was active with the Chatham Community Players for many years as a costumer. She enjoyed calligraphy and had a special fondness for turtles. She also volunteered at the New Vernon Fire Department as a member of the women’s auxiliary. Above all, Mary adored caring for her family. She doted on her husband and four children and was very active on the PTA while the children were in school.

Mary’s love and resilience will be forever missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Mary to be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

An 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of Christ the King, 16 Blue Mill Rd, New Vernon on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Those who are unable to attend may view the mass live at www.churchofchristtheking.org.

Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in loving memory of Mary.