The pandemic forces people to adapt and make changes and that’s what the family of Mary Louise Lopez did on Sunday, June 21, organizing a drive-through party to celebrate Lopez’s 100th birthday.
Born and raised in Pacoima, Lopez — or “Honey,” as she’s known to her family — picked cotton in her youth and was also a “Rosie the Riveter” when she worked for Lockheed during World War II. She is the mother of three, grandmother to eight and great-grandmother to 7 ½ (one is on the way).
Cars adorned with birthday signs and full of well-wishers — including several Los Angeles Police Department vehicles — drove by Lopez’ house on Daventry Street and El Dorado Avenue while a Mariachi group serenaded the birthday girl, who was in high spirits and enthusiastically let out the “mariachi grito” from time to time.
Lopez is “very healthy” and “feisty,” according to her granddaughters. “She loves to dance,” said granddaughter Rebecca Lantz, and Lopez proved it, getting up to dance with relatives here.
The family had planned a huge birthday bash for Honey. The coronavirus changed those plans, but not the good vibes and happiness Lopez radiated as she thanked everyone for the event with a hearty “love you all.”