Dina Marie Fierro Lopez, began her heavenly journey from home on September 16, 2012, surrounded by her loving husband, children, parents, sisters and cousin.
The love that she had for her family and friends gave her the utmost motivation to fight breast cancer. The love and sacrifice for family was a value her parents modeled to her and her sisters beginning in 1970’s on Los Padres Court of Gilroy.
A natural hostess, exceptional cook and matriarchal leader she welcomed everyone into her home and gave friends nicknames that welcomed relationships through a lifetime of memories.
Dina took pride in the home which showed as she and her husband of 18 years created a ”home away from home” for the children she cared for with her childcare business and the friends of their own children.
She loved a night out in downtown Gilroy, laughing and dancing to songs with friends. She planned and enjoyed relaxing family camp outs at Seacliff State Beach. She was a protector and reliable friend of great will and strength when others faltered in a time of crisis.
Dina persevered with dignity, determination and a strong sense of advocacy for funding a cure to her triple negative diagnosis. She felt deep appreciation to Uncle Mike and Aunt Kathy for their devotional efforts to coordinate her care and transportation to UCSF.
A lifelong resident of Gilroy, she and her husband Shawn Lopez, gifted this world four beautiful children Shawn Michael (18), Alyssa Nichole (16), Denae Ann (13) and Steven Paul (9). She is also survived by her grandmother Natividad Fierro, her parents Paul and Apple Fierro of Gilroy; In-Laws Steve and Pat Lopez of Madera, Brother-in-law Ricardo Lopez (DJ Simpson) of Morgan Hill, sisters Nancy Kerl of Hollister and Nicole (Johnny Crocker) Fierro of Gilroy. She holds a place in the hearts of niece Zyrie, nephews PJ and Vance. Also survived by Aunts and Uncles: David (Renee) Bettencourt, Louie (Keithly) Bettencourt and Tony (Rosie) Bettencourt of Gilroy; Sonia (Jon) Biggs of San Luis Obispo; Kathy (Michael) Camino of Aromas, Tina (Robert) Enz of Hollister; Sam (Leah) Fierro of Aptos, Godfather Ralph (Pam) Fierro and Barbara (Ralph) Borelli of San Jose; Rose (Robert) Hess of Clovis.
She is preceded in death by her grandfathers Raphael Fierro and Anthony Bettencourt and grandmother Margaret Zappacosta.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shawn Lopez at Rabobank of Gilroy to establish a trust for the children.
A celebration of her life will be held at New Hope Church in Gilroy on Sunday, September 23, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. Burial will be a private service for immediate family.
Condolences can be made at www.HabingFamilyFuneralHome.com
