Consuelo “Connie” Lopez, 87, passed away surrounded by family on September 30, 2026, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. She was a cherished sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her presence will be deeply missed.

Connie was born on September 2, 1939, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. She attended West Las Vegas High School, eventually earning a GED from Luna. In her youth, she was an avid softball player. She played and coached for several years. Connie was a phenomenal pitcher and could direct a batter’s hit with precisely placed pitches.

After working several jobs around Las Vegas, Connie began working in the Dietary Department of the New Mexico State Hospital. She worked there until her retirement. Connie was an exceptional employee, twice being recognized as employee of the month.

Connie raised two children, on her own. She encouraged both to seek higher education. That they did. Both of her children attained advanced degrees.

She wanted to be remembered as a good mother and person. Connie was more than that. As a life-long Catholic, she tried to live her life by Christ’s example. She touched many lives, offering warm friendship and support without expectation of reward.

Perhaps most of all, she had an amazing ability to find joy in life even under the most difficult of circumstances. Connie survived two forms of cancer and never once lost God’s joy in her life. In this regard, she was an extraordinary force in the lives of those who knew her.

Connie is preceded in death by her mother and father, Julia and Jose Dolores Perea, her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Abeyta, who was married to Luis Abeyta, Mickey Fulgenzi, who married to Tony Fulgenzi, and her brother and sister-in-law, Gilbert Perea, who was married to Guida Perea.

She is survived by her sister Barbara Casey, married to Frank Casey, of Las Vegas, New Mexico and her children Liz Walsh, married to Michael Walsh, of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Jose “Joey” Lopez, married to Josephine Lopez, of Denver, Colorado. Connie is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 9:00am, followed by a funeral mass, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, with Father Jacob Romero as celebrant in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Connie will be buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery after her mass.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Avenue, Las Vegas, New Mexico 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.