Obituary of Carol Alice Lopez

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted servant of the Lord passed away peacefully on Friday, November 13, 2020 at Covenant HealthCare. She was 83 years old. Carol Alice Norling was born on December 15, 1936 in Midland, Michigan to the late Karl and Grace (Myers) Norling. Carol was raised in Midland, and graduated from Midland High School in 1954. Carol continued her studies at Central Michigan University. Carol was on the Queen's Court at an ROTC dance, where she met her future husband, Ephriam Vincent "Ace" Lopez, and married her soul mate on September 30, 1957. Her caring nature and love for all of God's people was evident as Ephriam and Carol served as officers in Jackson, with the NAACP during the Civil Rights Movement. She also was a Social Worker for the Department of Social Services in Saginaw from 1962 until her retirement in 1997. Carol was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and was also active with many local churches during her lifetime. In her earlier years, Carol was involved in theater and was a member of the Jackson Players. Later in her life, she enjoyed writing poetry, and was a member of the River Junction Poet Society. Carol was a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed swimming. To relax, Carol watched Jeopardy, completed crossword puzzles, loved reading books and traveled throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, France, Denmark, Germany and Sweden. She also learned to speak fluent Spanish on her own. Carol's family will deeply miss her compassionate, kind and generous spirit. Those left to cherish her memory are her children and their spouses: Gregory and Susanne (Lopez-Norling) Lopez of Saginaw, Laurie and William "Bill" Larion of Tawas City, Paul Jeffrey and Connie Lopez of Saginaw and Karla Vicenta Beslay of Saginaw; her grandchildren whom she loved to spend time with: Alain Lopez-Norling, Alexander Lopez-Norling, Edward (Margaret) Vasquez, Kameron Lopez and Jennifer (Brad) Moore; great grandchildren: Ace, Michael and Mary Grace Vasquez, Cora and Cleveland Moore; sister-in-law, Mike Norling; brothers-in-law, Marcus and Manuel Lopez; nieces and nephews: Gretchen, Eric, Amy, Sam, Ben and Martha; and her furry companion, Abbey. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Ephriam on August 16, 1989; her brothers: Jess R. Norling (2015) and his former wife, Roberta and Lee Charles Norling (2015); nephew, Christopher Norling; mother-in-law, Librada (Torrez) Lopez (1989). In keeping with Carol's love of poetry, her son, Paul and family would like to share a poem he wrote about Carol's life: Mom's 80th Birthday Poem I was going to write a poem; Roses are Red, Violets are Blue Poem for you! But since you've made it 80 years I thought I might elaborate on a few memories and possibly extract a few tears! It all began on M-20 There was Karl the Father Grace the Mother Hence Carol, Jess and Lee to complete the Norling family tree. School began, you attended Midland High, Then CMU Where you met "Ace" the man who said, "I do" Marriage began and you started your own family tree and here we are 58 years later so blessed to have a son like me (lol)! Such an interesting life; The Jackson Players, NAACP were your passions! Don't forget D.S.S., where 34 years were spent! And when summers came who could forget the times spent camping in the Gerwins' Old Army Tent! In 1989 Our Father, your husband "Ace" departed. As tough as it was for all of us A new Chapter started! Through all the ups and downs you somehow managed to keep "it" together No matter how inclimate the weather! So now here we are and 80 years have passed; hindsight they say is 20/20. So enjoy this day and enbrace the journey! For 100 years from now the legacy of Carol Alice Lopez-will be "She was the author of her own book" and for both people and family members they'll be saying "I think I'll take a 2nd look" Happy Birthday, Paul Carol's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the kind and caring medical staff at Covenant who took extraordinary care of their mother when we couldn't be there. SERVICE: A funeral liturgy for Carol will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 23, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6th Street, Saginaw, MI 48601. Burial of Carol's cremated remains will follow the funeral service at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Due to the current health crisis, masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to the Emmaus House at 733 S. 14th Street, Saginaw MI 48601. The Deisler Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Lopez Family, please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com