Emilia C. "Mely" Lopez

Emilia Castro Lopez, 89, of Cathedral City, Calif., passed away October 4, 2013. She was born September 11, 1924 to Pedro and Agustina Castro in Waialua, Hawaii. She lived in O'ahu with her twelve brothers and sisters during her childhood and later moved to the Philippines. She married Francisco Lopez on July 28, 1945 in Manila and had three sons, Ernesto Lopez, Edgardo Lopez, and Efren Lopez. She went back to the United States in the late 60s to be with her sons in California. She worked at a Halfway House/Snack bar at the Mission Hills Country Club golf course in Rancho Mirage, Calif. for twelve years. Her true passion was cooking and spent her whole life preparing dishes for everyone around her. She was the first to open a Filipino grocery store out of her home in Palm Springs. She was an active member of the Filipino-American Club as well as the Filipino Santo Niño Prayer Group. Emilia is survived by her sons and daughter-in-laws; her sister, Lydia Roque; and brother, Ramon Castro. She leaves behind twelve grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She always greeted everyone with her beautiful smile. She was loved by her family and friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 13 and Monday, October 14, 2013, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a rosary at 6:30pm at Forest Lawn in Cathedral City. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, 10:00 am at the St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church with interment to follow at the Desert Memorial Park. Forest Lawn Cathedral City is in charge of arrangements.