Racine – Maria M. Lopez (nee. Rodriguez), age 94, passed away peacefully at Pine Brook Pointe in Burlington on May 16, 2026. She was born on August 13, 1931, in Laredo, TX, to parents Jesus and Francisca (nee. Barragan) Rodriguez. Her early years were spent living there, with her first job being an assistant at the Jackson Funeral Home – which was owned by her family – helping wherever she was needed. In the 1950’s, Maria moved her family to Racine. This is where she raised her family and owned the Lopez Records Store on 6th Street for over 10 years. Following that endeavor, Maria took a position at the J.I. Case Company, working in the plant as an assembler. When Maria left J.I. Case, she spent much of her free time traveling back and forth between Wisconsin and Texas.
Maria found many ways to keep busy when she wasn’t working or caring for her family. She loved making various ceramic pieces, including angels. Maria could be found playing bingo at the Flat Iron Village Mall in Racine. She also enjoyed camping and traveling. Those who knew her would say she could be stubborn and hardheaded, but she was one of the most giving and helpful people. If someone needed something, she would do what she could to help them, if even if it meant giving away what she had. More than anything, she will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Maria will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her daughter, Sara Morales; her sister, Irma Garcia; brothers, Jesus Rodriguez, Omar Rodriguez, Ricardo Rodriguez, and Dagoberto Rodriguez; grandchildren, Cynthia (Gary) Herb, Elisa (Gary Beckett) Lopez, Cassandra Morales, and Juan (Marilyn) Lopez, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Samantha Cooper, Sondra Moll, Alexa Moll, Joseph Moll, Jeremiah Moll, Daniel Bishop, Jr., Natalia Bishop, Brianna Lopez, Alyssa Lopez, Isaac Lopez, Amalia Lopez, and Julissa Salcedo; great-great-grandchildren, Adelaide, Jordan Jr., Sammuel, Xandra, Alessondro, Aleanna, Christiano, Luciano, Neveah, and Joseph III; many other relatives, family and friends.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents; her children, Juan Lopez, Sr. and Sandra Lopez; sisters, Selvia Reyes, Odilia Wicklund, and Linda Teresa Rodriguez; brothers, Jose Rodriguez and Francisco Rodriguez.
Visitation will be held at Strouf Funeral Home on Thursday, June 4, from 1:00 – 3:30 pm. Memorial services will follow at 3:30 pm. Maria will be laid to rest in Laredo, TX at a later date.