Maria Antonia Melena (Lopez)'s Obituary
Maria Antonia Melena (Lopez) of San Diego, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept 19, 2023- with family members at her side.
Maria, a local San Diego girl, was the 3rd of 3 children born to Richard Melena and Pauline Bernal. She attended Kearny High School, graduating in 1982.
She had 3 children, and one stepson. She married Carlos Lopez in 1999, and they were married for 24 years. She was very family oriented, always making time to visit with her children, and many cousins whom she loved so dearly. But her favorite role of all was being “Nani” to her granddaughter, Gianna. Those who knew her, knew that her family was her universe, and she would do anything for them.
Maria obtained her Medical Assistant degree in 1983, and henceforth worked in the healthcare field. She worked for Family Practice Associates until their doors closed. In February of 1999, she started work at Metro Family Physicians Medical Group, working with Family Medicine Residents and Faculty. After the Residency program, she continued at Metro Family, and was an integral part of the practice, serving in multiple capacities, including Front Office Receptionist, Medical Records Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and Assistant Office Manager. Maria was elected by staff as Employee of the Year in 2006 and 2009.
And she received numerous “Guardian Angel” tributes from patients (who donated to the Sharp HealthCare Foundation in her honor). But beyond her professional accomplishments, Maria was known for her boundless compassion, infectious sense of humor, and unwavering willingness to lend a helping hand.
Her caring demeanor and love for staff and patients earned her the endearing nickname of “Mama Maria”. She was truly the soul of Metro Family Physicians.
Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos Lopez. She is survived by her 3 children, Raul, Ashley, and Matthew, and stepson, Joel; her granddaughter Gianna; her sister Cynthia Melena and brother Richard Paul Melena; and too many nieces, nephews, and cousins to name.
We will truly miss this wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, who was loved by so many; and will be loved-always. Her Memorial will be on Thursday, September 28th at Clairemont Mortuary, 4266 Mt. Abernathy Ave, from 5 to 9 pm, with the Rosary at 5:30 pm. The funeral mass will be on Friday, 9/29/23 at 1:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1957 Coolidge St, followed immediately by interment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Drive
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