Sonya A. Lopez

2023

On Jan. 12, 2023, Sonya A. Lopez of Socorro N.M. passed away at the age of 59. Sonya was a true child of the 70s, growing up in Colorado where she and two brothers would go on daily adventures in the mountains and explore the wild. Those good times and bonds were everlasting. Her favorite movie was Brother of the Wind, and favorite song was “Beautiful Sunday,” with lyrics ‘Birds are singing, you by my side, let’s take a car and go for a ride…We’ll drive on and follow the sun making Sunday go on and on…Hey, hey, hey, it’s a beautiful day.’ Sonya loved music of all types. As a child, she had dreams of being up on the stage singing with her brothers.

In her early 20’s, she made a move to Socorro, where she met Robert Lopez, a skilled Bull-Dozer operator up on the mountain (and accomplished guitar player). They later joined hands to raise two daughters, Amanda and Melissa, whom she loves very much. Sonya worked in a small arcade-shop. Her main memories of that time were being able to help youngsters have a good time and offer a drop of wisdom from time to time. She had a way with helping those in need.

Later in life, Sonya’s last job was a dream come true, working with the NRG-crew setting up concert venues for many famous musicians at the Isleta Pavilion. Ironically, Sonya was ‘up on the stage,’ as a stagehand setting up gigs, and her brothers were the NRG-crew she worked with and loved. An actual dream she had since the age of 7, somehow it came to be. Eventually retiring, she always spoke highly of that experience. Sonya always had the love of music in heart. Having a heart of goodness toward all was her way.

Sonya is preceded in death by her father, Gerald Thornton, and brother Larry. She is survived by husband and partner in life Robert Lopez, daughters Melissa and Amanda, granddaughter Sasha, whom she also loved very much, and brother Michael, and mother-in-law Catherine Lopez.

To celebrate Sonya’s life: if you find change in your pocket, give it to someone in need; plant a wildflower; help an animal in need and find it a good safe home. Support your local veterinarian. Support people of First Nations. Most of all, hug your family and friends.

Sonya has found her way beyond the rainbow, glowing in the warm light of peace and love, now holding hands with father and brother Larry.

El Defensor Chieftain