Lionila Saenz

Petra, Rufina, Maria Lionila Lopez Saenz, beloved daughter, sister, wife & mother. The Little Lion was born Nov. 8, 1924, to Jose Timoteo Lopez & Francesica Gallegos Lopez, in her beloved San Luis Valley, CO. Died Mar 14, 2012 in Denver, CO. Her many accomplishments include 10 children and 43 foster children, Lee received her Bachelor degree in 1968, she was Utah State Senior Analyst for Urban Housing Development, and became Regional Director for US Dept of Labor in Employment Standard Administration Women's Bureau. Appointed by the Nixon Administration. She was a strong defender of women's rights. Preceded in death by husband of 52 years Joe Sr., her son Robert, parents, 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Survived by Ubaldo (Viva), Edward (Leticia), and Loretta Williams (Bob), children, Yolanda (Richard Bjorklund), Carlos, Marcella, Richard (Valerie), Gloria Morrissey (Frank), JoAnn, Michael, Joe Jr, John (Kristen) daughter in law Sharon. 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren. Numerous friends and extended family. She will be remembered for her generous lion's heart, adventurous nature, her glow at family gatherings, enjoying good food, mariachi music, and lots of laughter. She will always be a part of us. May the angels guide her home. Visitation, Sunday, 4-5pm, with rosary at 5pm at Romero Metro West Chapel, Lakewood. Funeral mass, Monday at 10am at Notre Dame Church. Entombment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.