Thelma Lopez Calderon

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Thelma Lopez Calderon, 65, of Black River Village Road, Malaga, NM, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at her home. Visitation will be 3 PM – 5 PM, Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM, followed by a vigil Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at San Jose Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 17, 2021 at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez officiating. Interment will follow in Loving Cemetery, Loving NM.

Thelma was born December 29, 1955 in Carlsbad, NM to Jim and Maggie (Acosta) Lopez. She graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1974. Thelma married Ben Calderon February 12, 1976. She worked for Loving Head Start many years before becoming a stay-at-home wife, mother and grandmother – her most treasured job of all, although she never really “stayed home”. She loved her family very much, and her time with her grandchildren was her greatest joy. Thelma devoted her life to serving others. Whether it was to plan a wedding, organize a fundraiser, church event or a last-minute homecoming corsage, she was the one to get it done. She was the best cook in the family and was famous for her delicious tamales, salsa and Thanksgiving dressing. Thelma had a heart of gold and always went above and beyond for her family, friends and often times, strangers. Her life was a living example of who God calls us to be. She was a life-long member of Cristo Rey Catholic Mission in Malaga where she dedicated much of her time teaching catechism, cleaning the church and making sure any fellowship activities were festively decorated. Thelma was an avid Washington Redskins fan and Loving Falcon fan. She will be remembered as a selfless daughter who cared for her elderly parents until their last day, a sister who loved her siblings with her whole heart, a dedicated wife who took great care of her husband, an incredible mother who always sacrificed her needs for the good of her children and the best grandmother who made sure her grandchildren always had everything they needed, including the love only a grandmother can give. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Maggie Lopez; son, Michael Calderon and brother, Jim Lopez, Jr.
Survivors are her husband, Ben Calderon, Sr. of Malaga; sons: Benny Calderon and wife, Cynthia of Malaga, Steven Calderon and wife, Estrella of Malaga; daughter, Crystal Montoya and husband, Anthony of Carlsbad; grandchildren: Carla, Clarissa, Cassandra, Mariah, Benny, Steven, Lauryn and Luke; great-grandson, Jose Angel; siblings: Sally Vasquez and husband, Tony, Sonny Lopez, Lucy Gonzalez and husband, Leo, twin brother, Herman Lopez, Henry Lopez and wife, Selina and David Lopez; aunt, Irene Campos and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Steven Calderon, Rudy Vasquez, Lupito Carrasco, Mark Lopez, Dan Calderon and Dick Calderon. Honorary pallbearers are Benny Calderon and Anthony Montoya.
Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com