Julia Mae Lopes, 90, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and so much more passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Pruitt Place – Scenic View Long Term Care Facility in Baldwin, Georgia.
Born on May 16, 1935, in Canton, Ohio, Julia was the daughter of the late Antone Fontes and Carlotta Lopes and sister to Antonio (Bobby) and Elden Fontes of Onset, Massachusetts.
Julia graduated from Wareham High School in Wareham, Massachusetts, where she was athletically inclined and especially loved basketball, serving as team captain. Her passion for the sport shone through as she recounted a memorable game where she made a half-court shot at the buzzer to win.
After high school, she married her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Joseph A. Lopes “Joe”, who preceded her in death. They raised their family on Aquidneck Island before building their dream home in Little Compton, Rhode Island. Julia enjoyed a long career at Raytheon Submarine Signal Division in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, retiring after more than 25 years of service. Even while managing her professional career, she found the time, strength, and energy to raise six children in a loving home. She took joy in cooking, swimming, camping, playing sports, and cheering on her children at sporting events.
At seventy-two years young, Julia and Joe packed up their belongings and set off on a cross-country trek toward new adventures in Copperas Cove, Texas. She embraced her new community by becoming an integral member of the Copperas Cove Citizens Police Academy where she served her new community for several years. Julia dedicated herself to many causes over the years and gave selflessly to anyone in need. She was known for her can-do attitude at no matter what age. She was competitive in nature and never backed down from a challenge. Julia instilled these values in all her children and grandchildren, always leading by example.
After Joseph’s passing in 2014, Julia moved to Georgia to live with her daughters, starting another new chapter. She immersed herself in her new community and became a distinguished member of the Habersham County Senior Center, proudly known as a “Red Bird.” Julia was so loved and highly regarded that even her bus driver would check on her while she was on vacation.
She is survived by her daughters, Deborah (Lopes) Wilson and son in-law Austin Livingston, Rosemarie (Lopes) and her husband Darryel Neal, of Clarksville, Georgia; her sons, Joseph Lopes Jr. and wife Bonnie, of Frederick, Maryland, Peter Lopes and wife Jonette of Tiverton, Rhode Island, Paul Lopes and fiancée Shellie Vrana of Smithfield, Rhode Island & Stephen Lopes and wife Mary Alice of Corona, California; her twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Affectionately known as Julie, she was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and countless others whose lives she touched.
We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way in which she lived, and for the profound impact she had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She had a generous spirit and pleasant personality, and she was loved by many.
When we reflect on her life, we see a tapestry woven with threads of hardship and hope, sacrifice and love — all crafted by her steady hands. Though she may not have traveled the world, we learned that the measure of life is not in the miles traveled but, in the lives, touched. In this sense, Julia’s story stretches far beyond the horizon she once longed to see. Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who loved her.
WORDS OF APPRECIATION
“Our hearts rejoice during the illness and passing of our beloved Mom/Grandmother due to the many acts of kindness extended to our family. Your prayers and expressions of love and sympathy are deeply appreciated. May God’s blessings of peace and love continue with you forever.” – The Lopes Family
