Pauline Lopez

Polly was born on February 1, 1946 in Durango, Colorado to Paul and Margaret "Crucita" Velasquez.

Polly would tell stories of camping and fishing with her mom and dad as a young girl. They also traveled the area together selling holistic remedies to the surrounding communities. Polly said her mom used to dress her up in lacy dresses and pig tails; she was a girly girl. Polly also loved to put on her jeans and play in the dirt. Polly's parents' marriage ended and Polly spent her teenage years commuting between Pagosa Springs and Walsenburg, CO. Polly spoke fondly of her teenage years passing time with her best friend/cousin going to dances, sharing their secrets and just having fun. Polly lost her beloved father unexpectedly as a teenager. She missed her dad immensely; her time with him was precious, with many happy memories.

Polly met the love of her life, Pete Lopez in Pagosa Springs when she was 17 years old. They dated long distance, him in Las Vegas, NV and her in Pagosa for about a year. Polly and Pete married on June 25, 1964; moving to Las Vegas to begin their life together. Polly and Pete had 4 children Dennis, Susan, Nancy and Paula and they decided to escape the city and move their family back to their small-town roots. Polly and Pete moved to Mancos, CO and then eventually to the Lopez Family Ranch. Polly worked with the head-start program and then moved on to the Ignacio Elementary School as a Teacher Aid and Library Aid. Polly ultimately had to take an early retirement due to medical conditions that did not allow her to continue working. Polly had a great sense of humor that was not lost even during her last days. She kept the nurses who cared for her laughing and entertained with her humor and unexpected friendly sarcasm. Polly and Pete were active in the Catholic Church teaching CCD and Marriage Classes. Polly had a special gift of listening and counseling people who would seek her sympathetic wisdom.

Polly is preceded in death by her husband, Pete Lopez, her parents Paul Velasquez and Margaret "Crucita" Montoya, grandmother Manuelita P. Montoya, half siblings Lelia Vigil, Jodie Manzanares and Joe Velasquez.

Polly is survived by her children: Dennis, Susan and Nancy Lopez and Paula Lopez-Trujillo; grandchildren: Thomas Santistevan, David Montoya, Charlotte Santistevan and Alex Lopez; great grandchildren: Maryah and Sean Montoya and Pedro Santistevan, numerous God Children, her dog Carly and her bird Pasquale. Polly will be missed dearly by her family, friends and pets
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Services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Hood Mortuary Chapel, 1261 E. 3rd Ave., Durango; Rosary will be at 1:00pm and Memorial Service following.