Lupe Lehman

Lupe Lopez Lehman, a resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Lupe was born on September 7, 1946, in Las Vegas, NM, to the late Antonio and Dolores Lopez, the sixth of eleven children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Connie Lopez Martin and Rosalie Lopez Maestas; and brothers Richard and Anthony.

Lupe attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Elementary School and graduated from West Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, NM. As a senior in high school, she was awarded a typewriter for her outstanding test results during the school year and at the New Mexico Highlands University Day Competitions.

Lupe later moved to Monterey, CA, where she worked at Fort Ord Army Base and continued her education through night classes at Monterey Peninsula College. She later earned her B.A. Degree in Finance through the College of Santa Fe.

Lupe also lived and worked in Augsburg, Germany; Little Rock, AR; Denver, CO; and settled in Albuquerque, NM. She worked for various federal agencies: Department of Defense at Fort Ord, CA; Augsburg, Germany; Kirtland AFB; Denver, CO; and in Albuquerque for the Social Security Administration where she retired as a supervisor. Her federal service spanned over 40 years. During her work service she earned many awards and commendations, including: the Fort Hunter Liggett Award for Outstanding Support to the PKBD Project; the Kirtland AFB Operation and Implementation Award; and the Fort Ord Defense Achievement Award.

One of the blessings Lupe enjoyed was traveling to many destinations in Europe and The Holy Lands. Her passion for traveling started with her work in Germany when she traveled throughout Europe to almost every western European country. Her love of Spain, Italy and Germany led her to become proficient in those languages and provided many memorable travels before and after her retirement. One of her greatest adventures was in 2004, when she traveled to Germany and Italy with her sisters, cousins and siter in-laws.

She is survived by her brothers: Larry Lopez (Gloria+) of Las Vegas, NM; Dr. Joseph Lopez (Mary Ann) of Albuquerque, NM; Dr. Robert Lopez (Judy) of Albuquerque, NM; Steve Lopez (Lisa) of Idaho Falls, ID; and sisters: Kathy Lopez Reilly (Tom) of Denver, CO; and Theresa Lopez of Las Vegas, NM; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lupe was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and godmother who cherished spending time with family and friends. Our sister was happiest when she was spending time in Las Vegas, NM with her family, and especially with her numerous nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. She was a very proud member of St. Joseph of the Rio Grande Catholic Church in Albuquerque. Her Catholic Faith brought her immense joy and a sense of community. Lupe was a warm and caring person. She is significantly missed, and her love and generosity will forever be remembered.

Rosary devotional services will be recited on Thursday, November 14, at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 15, at 9:00 a.m., with both services to be held at the family church of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Las Vegas, NM. Lupe’s nephew, Father Roger Lopez, OFM, will be the celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Parish Hall Renovations.

Burial of cremains will take place at San Jose Cemetery in Las Vegas, NM.