Kathleen F. (Custer) Lopez

Kathleen Frances Lopez (nee Custer) of Lewes Delaware, formerly of Rutherford NJ, passed away on October 22, 2025.

Kathy was born on October 18, 1953 to Helen (Mahar) and Vincent Custer. She was raised in Rutherford NJ and graduated from St. Mary HS. She attended St. Francis Nursing school in Jersey City, NJ. Upon becoming a registered nurse, she spent the next 48 years working in hospitals, nursing homes and home care. She dedicated her life to taking care of others,  Kathy was the family go-to for all medical questions always ready with insight, comfort and care. 

Joe and Kathy moved to Lewes, DE in 2000 and Kathy continued her nursing career. She was an active volunteer and sat on the board of Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding until her illness prevented her from doing so.

Kathy received the gift of a lung transplant in April 2021, which extended her life by more than four years. She was grateful for the extra time and encouraged others to register as organ donors.

Kathy will be remembered for her love of the beach, the ocean, sea glass, all things Christmas, and just about every kind of cheese. She had a soft spot for Mallomars and a wide variety of candies. She especially enjoyed hot dogs, vanilla cones with chocolate sprinkles from DQ, and Thrasher’s Fries on the boardwalk. Kathy was known for leaving price tags on gifts and for her impressive collection of white t-shirts. She was a natural storyteller who loved sharing memories and laughter with family and friends around the kitchen table, always with a good cup of hot tea.

Kathy is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 43 years, Joe Lopez Sr; devoted mother to her four children, Jeanette Alvarez of PeachTree Corners, GA; Danielle (Eric) Janson of Herndon, VA; Joseph (Jenna) Lopez of Rehoboth, DE and Michael Lopez of NJ. Beloved Mimi to Sarah and Jake Janson, Tristan and Daniel Alvarez. She is survived by her loving siblings Marianne Moore, Vincent (Lorraine) Custer, Robert (Kathleen) Custer, John Muller (Michelle), sister-in-law Beatrice (Pat) Loftus,. She will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, family and friends, especially treasured friends from St Mary’s Class of 1971.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Delaware Hospice Center 100 Patriots Way Milford, DE 19963.

For full obituary and letters of condolences please visit www.pippinfuneralhome.com

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

And the rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand

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