Together Again

Aurora Christine Lopez

Aurora Christine Lopez gloriously joined our father Alfred James Licon in heaven on early Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023 at the age of 99 years.  She was born on November 4, 1923 to Matilde and Nicolasa Lopez of Fowler, California. A pioneer of her time, she enrolled in college prep courses to pursue a degree in education. She graduated from Sutter and Fowler High School in 1942, but when her grandmother suffered a stroke; our Mom lovingly took care of her.

She met the love of her life, Alfred at Fowler High School and wrote letters continually while he fought bravely in World War II. Upon his return they formally dated, became engaged and married on August 24, 1047. They celebrated 72 years of love before Dad went to heaven on Christmas Eve 2019.  Mom cherished her family and adored her four children, Robert, Margaret, Corinne and Gina.  She continued her calling to education as she volunteered as a Teacher Assistant at Gina's school, Eric White Elementary in Selma when she was asked by the Principal Arnie Miller to please submit her employment application. During this time she also taught in St. Lucy's Catechism Program, the First Grade Class, where she also assisted in many Christmas Pageants. Our mother continued her devotion to our Lord through St. Lucy's Catholic Church and was a member of the Alter Society, the Guadalupanas and became a Eucharistic Minister, supporting the home bound while sharing scripture and singing with her lovely voice.  Mom possessed an exceptional talent as a painter and artist and was well known for her kindness and generosity. Mom left us in the early hours of Easter Sunday to rejoin our father, who had passed on Christmas Eve in 2019. They both journeyed to heaven on Holy Days and will forever remain in our hearts.

She is survived by her children, Robert and Tabby Licon, Dr. Margaret Licon, Corinne and Enrique Florez and Sweet Gina Licon. She also leaves behind her much adored grandchildren, Joaquin Florez, Amanda and her husband Kirk Vartanian, Corrina and her husband Carl Schader, Stacie and Kristie Licon, Ruthie and Tom Verduso, and Sophia, in addition to her great grandchildren Jessie, Daniel and little Alexander. Mom is also survived by her loving brothers Raul and Ronnie Lopez, her Goddaughter Carolyn Zamora and many cherished nieces and nephews who were very dear to her heart. Finally, she was survived by her Comadre and Best Friend, Mrs. Lucy Tovar.

Our mother loved her family and was forever welcoming all to her home and preparing the most delicious meals with whatever she had handy in her refrigerator. She adored her grandchildren who visited often bringing her wonderful meals from her favorite restaurants.  She was so proud of Robert's leadership an Union Organizer and later in real estate and insurance, Margaret's achievement of her doctorate and subsequent teaching at colleges in Arizona and Washington and a musical angel at churches in the valley, Corinne's faculty contributions at Fresno State and her role as mother and grandmother, and Gina's success at Special Olympics and the ARC. She so loved Enrique for all his love and tremendous support during this journey and reached out to hold his hand on her last waking day as if to say Thank You and Good-bye.  Mom cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren; they are her legacy. She thrilled at seeing lovely Corrina bring home made recipes at family gatherings, as Mom loved to cook for her family, she adored her handsome Joaquin as he would rush over to lift her with his strong arms whenever she fell regardless of what he was doing, and she cherished beautiful Amanda as she consistently brought her Grandma Chinese on Tuesday (in addition to many of Mom's other favorite foods) along with new tea sets and beautiful new dish sets. And finally she loved talking to Daniel James (Dad's name sake) and watching little Alexander jump up on her lap and share a sweet kiss.  We are all so blessed with her memory.

She was a most beautiful mother, gracious, kind, loving and selfless woman of integrity who taught her children the true value of family and the love of the Lord.  She was a woman of Excellence and Integrity and proud of her participation at St. Lucy's Catholic Church. She loved the Knights of Columbus dinner dances and enjoyed teaching her children and grandchildren to make tamales at Christmas, usually on Christmas Eve. We celebrate the beautiful life of our mother today and all the love she has graciously given us all and we will miss her so dearly but know in our hearts that she has rejoined our Dad and our Holy Father in Heaven. They are once more Together Again.   With Love, peace and appreciation. Her loving Family.

Her services are as follows:

Thursday, April 20 ^th : Viewing from 4-7 PM with the Rosary recited by Tomas Carrasco at 6PM. The address is Wallin Funeral Home: 302 E. Merced St. Fowler, CA 93625.

Friday, April 21 ^st : Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM St Lucy's Catholic Church: 512 S. 5 ^th St., Fowler, CA 93625. The burial will be at Fowler Cemetery: 8523 S. Fowler Ave, Fowler, and CA 93625