2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Ava gained her angel wings on February 10, 2024, at the young age of 16. She passed peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends. Ava was received by her grandma Santos Lopez and her grandpa Jesse Lopez in the kingdom of heaven.

One of Ava's favorite quotes is "Your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage does."  Ava's fight against B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia over the past 3 1/2 years was proof of this. Ava persevered even when she was in terrible pain from chemotherapy and infections. Her courage was inspiring and people were drawn towards Ava. Even through isolation Ava built a family around her with her doctors, nurses, and other kids with cancer. She continued to fight when she relapsed and received a bone marrow transplant in May 2023. Once again Ava did not give up hope. Nine months later, Ava was still beating cancer. Everyday she worked hard with therapists, never refusing therapy. She continued to fight without a voice and only a smile to show that she had this. Due to the harsh treatments throughout the years, Ava's body was tired. In her last days, she made the decision that it was time not to be in pain anymore. Ava was able to say goodbye to everyone she loved with a beautiful smile.

If you knew Ava, then you know how much she loved the Harry Potter Series. She was sorted into the Ravenclaw House. They are known for their intelligence and love for learning. Ava strived to make the A Honor Roll and took AP classes. She was always helping other students with their work. She was an avid reader and excelled in math. Ava aspired to be an astronomer. She was curious about astronomy at a young age. We would lay out in the front yard learning about the stars and moon phases. She built a solar eclipse viewer to view her first eclipse. One of our most memorable times stargazing was at Enchanted Rock. This is where she first saw the little and big dipper. Ravenclaws are also known for being witty and making clever jokes. Ava and her dad would constantly try to best each other in jokes. Ava always won. If you said something that was annoying or wasn't funny, just one look from Ava would let you know how she felt. Ava liked when her aunts would tell her chisme. Ava would get involved and tell them how she felt too. Ravenclaws are intuitive. Ava knew when someone needed a friend. She was a great listener and empathetic. Being creative is another personality trait of Ravenclaws. Ava loved crafting with her mom. Her room is filled with her handmade crafts. She also enjoyed others' artistic work. Ava loved music. She was in choir and sang at several functions. Ava had an eclectic taste in music. She would listen to music ranging from oldies but goodies, classic, 90s, pop and indie rock. And of course she was a Swiftie.

Ava is dearly loved and will be forever missed by her mother, Sherri Lopez, her father, Nickolas Lopez, her sister, Rachel Lopez, and her two cats she loved very much, Sylvester and Sadie. As well as tons of family and friends who love her and will miss her greatly.

If you are interested in donating towards Ava's Celebration of Life, please contact the family for their GoFundMe.