Maria Cristina Lopez Almaraz peacefully passed on December 27th, 2023, in Gilroy, California. She is survived by her two siblings, three daughters, two sons-in-law, nine grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. Maria Cristina graced us with her presence for 96 joy-filled years.

Affectionately known as Kitty, Maria Cristina was born on December 15th, 1927, in El Venado, Nayarit, Mexico. She grew up in a tight-knit family and was the daughter of the late Genoveva Almaraz and Felipe Lopez. Kitty was the oldest female of 6 children. She was preceded in death by brothers Carlos Enrique, Raul Isaiah, and Victor Manuel.

In her youth, Kitty studied finance, and she received a degree in accounting. She would fondly recount stories of her experiences as a bookkeeper to her family. Kitty relocated to California with her husband Wilbert, where she created beautiful memories with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Kitty was predeceased by her loving husband in 2009.

Kitty enjoyed reading the daily paper, testing her patience with puzzles, cheering on her favorite "futbolistas," and praying the rosary. She loved music; her favorites being boleros and classical operas. Kitty spent her final years immersed in love, laughter, and family.

All deeply adored Maria Cristina, and the sweet memories she created with her family will live on forever in our hearts. Please join us in honoring Kitty with a rosary that will be held on Wednesday, January 10th, at 6:00 PM and a funeral mass scheduled for Thursday, January 11th, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church—reception to follow at Old City Hall Restaurant in Gilroy.