Obituary of Maria Yolanda Lopez

Elmira: Age 68, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Yolanda was born in Ocotepeque, Honduras, April 20, 1950, a daughter of the late Juana Lopez and Ramon Pineda. Yolanda came to the United States at the age of 16 to join her mother who had moved to Elmira to care for family. She became a U S citizen during the 1970's. Yolanda began her career with the City of Elmira in July of 1972. She retired on July 29, 2016 after 44 years of service, with most of those years spent working as an Administrative Assistant in the Elmira Police Department, where she was loved by all. Yolanda's dedication, work ethic and caring nature were an inspiration for many. She put others before herself, even during her illness. Yolanda had a passion for her home country of Honduras, its rich culture and traditions. She takes with her the best salsa recipe ever, a biting wit and a wry sense of humor. Yolanda was a compassionate and caring person who touched the lives of many. She will be dearly missed. Yolanda is survived by her "sisters", Lucita Lemus of Rockville MD, with her family, Guillermo (Amy) Ruiz, Sergio Ruiz, Fabio (Kevin) Orellana, Ninfa Gonzalez, and their families, all of Maryland; Maureen Prapestis of Elmira, with her husband Bill and their children, Erica (Paul) Kinney and William Prapestis; other family members, Rojas Family and Carbajal Family, all of Tampa FL; Zozaya Family of Tijuana, Mexico; Santos Family of Honduras; Secaira Family of Maryland, Hooper Family of North Carolina; along with many other friends in Elmira, Honduras and Guatemala. Also surviving is her West First Street "family". Yolanda always said she lived in the best neighborhood in the entire world. Thank you, neighbors, for all of your care and support during her journey. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Friday, September 14, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Elmira Animal Shelter, 842 Linden Place Extension, Elmira NY 14901. A special thank you to Maureen Reynolds and Sheila Palmer for their care of Yolanda during her illness