Remembering Paige Lopez

“She always had an aura of happiness,” said Sabryna Del Rio, a close friend of Paige Lopez.

“She was a big fan of Jim Carrey and wanted to become a comedic actress. The thing about Paige, though, was that she always took the time for you if you needed comfort—she was a real easy person to talk to.”

Paige Lopez was an eighth grade student at Maricopa Wells Middle School. Born on Oct. 1, 1996, she passed away on April 29, due to asthma-related complications. Her funeral services were held May 6 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. An estimated 600 people came to pay their respects to Paige and show their support for the Lopez family. The church has a seating capacity of 450.

“People were lined up outside and standing along the walls,” said Patti Coutré, parish secretary. “We had youth groups from both the church and school coming together to be involved and help with the services. Paige was very active in the youth ministry as her faith was very important to her. It was really amazing to see the community come out like they did, and you just realize how much she had affected everyone.”

Father Marcos Velasquez and Deacon Mario Ortega conducted the funeral services. Paige’s drama club teacher, Zach Irvine, provided the eulogy.

“When I first met Paige she had a passion for acting that is not often found in kids her age,” said Irvine. “She had the talent to bring out the best in everything and everyone around her. Paige even brought the best out of me, and I was so blessed to able to work with her; she was truly meant for the stage.”

The Maricopa Wells drama club is performing the musical “Wizard of Oz” on May 20 at 7 p.m. and on May 21 at 2 p.m., followed by a second performance at 7 pm.  A portion of the ticket sales will go to asthma research. Memorial t-shirts are on sale at the high school to help the family with expenses.

“We’d like to give thanks to the whole community and the church. Their support has been overwhelming,” said Carmen Lopez, Paige’s father. “Paige will definitely be missed.”

In addition to her father and her mother, Leia, Paige is survived by a brother Steven and sister Kurstyn, as well as grandmothers Diana Marquez and Dawn Theroux, great-grandfather Francis Groom and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial fund is open at Wells Fargo Bank for Paige (account #9193396372); donations will go to funeral expenses with any remaining balance going to asthma research.