Marcela Acevedo

Marcela Acevedo Lopez was born on February 14, 1933, in Río De Vázquez, Jalisco, Mexico, to Bonifacio Lopez Mota and Maria del Refugio Amezquita Anda. As one many children in a large and hardworking family, Marcela's life was shaped by her resilience, perseverance, and love for those around her. From a young age she understood the importance of hard work, a cornerstone that would guide her throughout her life.

As a young adult, Marcela emigrated illegally from Tlaquitapa, Jal. to McAllen, Texas for work, where she held various jobs that showcased her tenacity and determination. Whether she was picking cotton, tomatoes, or other produce under the Texas sun, to skillfully making tortillas by hand at a restaurant, or helping customers at a tiny grocery store, Marcela worked tirelessly to make a better life for herself and her family back home.

It was after her return to Tlaquitapa, that she reconnected with the man who would become the love of her life, Olegario Acevedo. They quickly fell in love, so much so, that the priest made them marry by kneeling on the hard floor instead of allowing them a cushion to kneel on, and so began their life together. Marcela and Olegario raised a close-knit family of three daughters and four sons. While life was hard for the family, especially when Olegario came to the US as part of the Bracero program or for other work, Marcela worked hard to ensure that her children were fed and loved.

Education was a priority for Marcela. Since she was removed from school at such a young age, she was determined that her children would have every chance to succeed, and she took on numerous jobs to ensure they could graduate school and pursue their dreams. Her deep commitment to their future became a beacon of hope and motivation for her family.

Marcela herself displayed extraordinary determination when, at the age of 40, she decided to take classes to learn to read and write. Her tenacity and a healthy dose of stubbornness helped her overcome her challenges and master these skills, an achievement she was immensely proud of. Her determination inspired many around her, showing them that it's never too late to grow and learn.

A devout Roman Catholic, Marcela drew great strength and joy from her faith. Every time she travelled back to Jalisco, she would visit Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos. She carried her faith into her everyday life, saying her nightly prayers for her family and sending the sign of the cross to each of her children every night.

Family was Marcela's greatest love. She showed her love for her loved-ones via food and would delight in cooking for them. They can attest that when she cooked, she truly cooked with love. Her mole and tamales were legendary and it is a recipe that has been passed down verbally for generations. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and comfort, where stories were shared, laughter echoed, and people came together to savor her creations.

Marcela's vibrant personality often made her the life of family gatherings. She loved to sing her favorite songs with gusto, her voice filling the room with energy and happiness. In her youth, Marcela said she would have loved to be a singer, thus singing was a constant joy for her, and her melodies became a cherished soundtrack to the lives of those who loved her.

In the early 1990s, after the last of her children had immigrated to the United States, Marcela joined them in Dallas, Texas. Together, they built a new life in a country that offered their family endless opportunities. Though she missed her roots, Marcela embraced her new home, always keeping her family at the center of her world.

In 1995, Marcela became widowed when her beloved Olegario passed away from cancer. Though it was a difficult time, the support of her siblings, children and grandchildren carried her through. She found solace in the love of her family, who never wavered in their devotion to her.

In her later years, Marcela became the cherished matriarch, the glue that held her growing family together. Her children called her "Amá," her grandchildren affectionately called her "Abuelita," and her newest great-grandchildren lovingly referred to her as "Bisi" which provided her with many laughs. Visits and calls from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy and were the highlight of her days.

Marcela had a soft spot for sweets. On her pilgrimages to San Juan de los Lagos, Marcela would always return with bags full of Mexican sweets and confections. Whether it was sipping on a Coke or indulging in chocolate, her love of treats was well-known among her family. Even in her final days, these simple pleasures brought a sparkle to her eyes, reflecting her ability to find happiness in the little things.

One of Marcela's dreams was to return to McAllen to visit the grocery store and restaurant where she had worked as a young girl. While she never made that journey, she often reminisced fondly about her early days, reflecting on how far she had come and the incredible legacy she had built.

Marcela joins in heaven her beloved husband, Olegario Acevedo; her parents, Bonifacio Lopez Mota and Maria del Refugio Amezquita Anda; and her siblings, Felix, Juan, Jose, and Lupita. She leaves behind her seven children: Angelica Torres, Olegario Acevedo, Estefana Becerra, Martha Devalos, Jesus Acevedo, Alfredo Acevedo, and Pedro Acevedo; her 28 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and siblings Miguel, Maria and Jesus, all of whom will continue to honor her memory.

Marcela Acevedo Lopez's life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and resilience. She was a beacon of strength and joy, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a woman whose legacy will endure through the generations she inspired. Her family takes comfort knowing she is now reunited with her loved ones in heaven, singing her favorite songs with the same unshakable spirit that defined her life.