Lotte Zeller Lopez

Born February 16, 1933 in Stuttgart, Germany.
Departed on December 30, 2020 in Melbourne, Florida

Lotte Zeller Lopez moved on to her next grand adventure as 2020 drew to a close. She was born in 1933 in Stuttgart, Germany, to Franz and Elsa Zeller, and experienced war time there as a child, which shaped her lifelong interest in politics and social justice. She always enjoyed a spirited debate about current events.

In Lotte’s teen years, her mother despaired of her lack of interest in anything “suitable” for a young woman, such as sewing, embroidery and cooking. Her parents reluctantly sent her to business school, where she found her life’s calling and became a top-notch secretary whose typing and dictation-taking speeds were unmatched.

While working at the U.S. Army base in Stuttgart in the 1950s, she met a dashing soldier, Louis Mario Lopez, who loved to travel. Together, these two adventurous spirits explored Europe – and decided to make it a lifetime journey. They were married in 1956, when his tour of duty brought him back to Washington, DC. Their daughter, Carmen, was born in 1957. After another posting to Germany, he retired from the military and in 1965 they moved to Palm Bay, Florida. Lotte first worked at various local banks and eventually went to work for Harris Corporation until she retired.

While Lotte would not be one to hand out health advice, she would say that every good day requires a strong cup of coffee in the morning, a pickle with lunch, and a piece of dark chocolate in the evening.

She is now reunited with her husband, who passed in 1997, and they are no doubt enjoying a cocktail and dancing to Glenn Miller. (Though her personal favorites were Elvis and Roy Orbison, and, in recent years, the occasional Lady Gaga tune.)

Above all else, Lotte had an incredibly kind, caring and generous spirit and was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She also had a wonderful sense of humor and delighted in the beauty and mystery of the world around her. She is missed beyond words by her daughter and son-in-law, Carmen and Bill Bright, and her memory is cherished by her extended Lopez/Rivera family and the Bright family. She is also fondly remembered by Carmen’s “besties,” who considered her a “bonus mom.”

There will be a celebration of Lotte’s amazing life as soon as it is safe for us to gather. In the meantime, we can be sure that she is living the inspiring words of the poet Mary Oliver: “I want to think again of dangerous and noble things…I want to be light and frolicsome…I want to be improbably beautiful and afraid of nothing, as though I had wings.”

Guestbook Entry

 
 
 
 
 
 
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9 entries.
Cindy and Rick Lopez from Melbourne wrote on January 19, 2021:
We were both saddened to hear of Lotte's passing. My husband, Rick is a nephew of Maritza Parra, who often spoke of the wonderful person Lotte was. I worked with her at Harris Satellite Communications Division for a number of years, and she was so much fun to be around. She always spoke with fondness of you, Carmen. She loved you dearly! We send our love and prayers to you and Bill.
Milton and Janet Rivera from New York City wrote on January 6, 2021:
It is with great sadness that I must comment on the passing of my Aunt Lotte. To say that she was a wonderful and loving woman is an understatement. Our family has grown small over the years, but with her still in it, we did not feel that way. She is again with Uncle Mario. God bless our family for Aunt Lotte presence in it. All our love to Carmen and Bill.
Chantale from Palm Bay wrote on January 5, 2021:
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Mrs. Lotte had the most incredible ability to connect with anyone who crossed her path, her compassion will carry on through you. I’m so grateful that I knew Lotte , Her beautiful presence will be missed. May The Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. I will be forever missed the moments that I cherish with Lotte
Christie Spinning from Palm Shores wrote on January 3, 2021:
I was very lucky to have the pleasure of getting to know Lotte and share many good times and memories with her and I will never forget them. I will miss you dearly Lotte.
Jane and Gary Baron from Melbourne wrote on January 3, 2021:
Lotte was a great storyteller. I always enjoyed hearing about her life’s experiences and admired her wondrous spirit. No doubt she and her husband are dancing amongst the stars and beaming with pride at their extraordinary daughter.
Jenny Bright from South Pasadena wrote on January 3, 2021:
What a gift to have known Lotte. She was so generous with her attention when we visited. She was a true giver and so full of knowledge. We will miss our in-depth talks with her...
Karen and Gary Mosher from Melbourne wrote on January 2, 2021:
Lotte was a very special lady with a big heart, ready smile and a wonderful laugh. We will miss her dearly. We are praying God will comfort you and give you His peace Carmen. Love, Karen and Gary
Ron & BeeGee Wolff from Palm Bay wrote on January 2, 2021:
Lotte was a special woman with quite a history. I wish I had more opportunities to hear her life stories. She was fortunate to have a daughter and son-in-law who took such good care of her and everyone who knew her will miss her greatly.
Bob &Yvette Marcan from Viera Fl wrote on January 2, 2021:
She was a very special lady, with a kind loving daughter. Carmen our prayers are with you and your family. Hugs
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