Linda Carol Lopez entered eternal rest Tuesday, September 09, 2025, at her residence in Bayard, New Mexico. Linda was born on December 26, 1949, in St. Albans, New York to Marian Taylor Lopez and Dr. Ralph Berkley Lopez, O.D., P. C. Linda was raised in Waterford, Connecticut by parents who served in the Naval branch of the military. She graduated from high school ahead of time with honors and went on to begin her college education beginning at the Bradford Junior College where she graduated with the honor of Citadel President her senior year. From there she pursued to obtain higher degrees at various universities the following six years of her young life. In between studies and on her free time she traveled avidly, enjoying numerous adventures into Europe.
Linda received her AA in 1970 at Bradford Junior College in Bradford, Maine; a BA in Psychology in 1972 at the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, Wisconsin, a MA in Psychology in 1974 at the Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, and a PhD in Psychology in 1976 also at the Ohio State University. Linda's teaching history spanned tenures at the University of Wisconsin, SUNY (State University of NY) in Oneonta, NY; the Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Education, Northeastern University in Boston, MA, at the Rockford College in Rockford, IL, and then settling in Silver City, New Mexico where she taught as a Professor of Psychology at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) for a great many years. It was at WNMU where she retired from her teaching career and served as Professor Emeritus until her passing.
Linda published one book "Mexican Americans who Attended Schools During the Era of Segregation: Case Studies of the Southwest New Mexico" (2019) and was the author of many publications over her academic career. Dr. Lopez was adored by her students and respected by her colleagues at WNMU.
Linda loved walking and taking hikes in the Gila National Forest. She was a kind, generous person, and an amazing friend who showed great concern for others. She will be missed but will hold a special place in the hearts of those in the tri-city community who knew her. Her legacy will live on through the many people that were privileged to sit under her instruction as a professor, and through the many people she forged friendships with.
She is survived by a brother Dr. Mark Taylor Lopez, O.D., retired; two half-sisters Cheryl Biederstadt and Janice E. Kisczka; three nieces Elizabeth A. Biederstadt, Gretchen D. Biederstadt, Hannah G. Biederstadt and one nephew Jason D. Biederstadt, children of her half-sister Cheryl.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. No services will be held per her wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evening Light Tabernacle, PO Box 309, Bayard, NM 88023 or to Boys Town, PO Box 6000, Boys Town, NE 68010-9988, a cause close to her heart.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted Care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
