A loving and devoted mother who is highly praised by her children. Maria Milagros Lopez was born in New York on March 14, 1952 to parents Jesus Maria Lopez and Mercedes Diaz Lopez. One of five children, she enjoyed sharing in the adventurous pranks and times with her sisters. She was married to Harvey Roggow. Mary, as she was known, bravely raised five children. As children, they remember looking to their mom for strength. They describe her as a woman of strong character, nurturing, totally devoted to her children. She was a best friend to her daughters. "Tita" adored and treasured her grandchildren. She loved pulling them to her for hugs and cuddling. The little ones loved hearing her tell the stories of her life.

Mary was a woman who loved Jesus Christ. The early mornings were her favorite time of the day. A strong woman of God, Mary would rise early to spend time praying with Jesus, whom she loved with all her heart. She raised her children to have a close walk with Him as well. She wanted everyone she knew to come to know Jesus. She was fascinated by the Jewish beliefs, traditions and background. She tried to incorporate Jewish and Christian beliefs. Mary rejoiced and praised the Lord always. Her granddaughter, Mercedes, said the worst day of her life was the day Tita died. The best day of her life was the day Tita died. Even at a young age, the children knew that Tita was in heaven and was not suffering.

Children were very important to Mary. Through her love and feeling of protectiveness she tried to make life better for all children. She worked for Child Protective Services in different counties. She went on to start her own childcare business, 'Mary's Little Lambs'. In the daycare she was able to provide a safe, fun place for all children, including her grandchildren.

Mary was never known to put herself first; instead, choosing to give all she could and more to others. Her children tell how she would "literally" give the shirt off her back to one in need. Everyone who came through her door was drawn in and made to feel like family from the very first moment. She made every occasion special.

Her children remember her cooking skills, saying she could make potato salad like no one else. She had her favorite foods: coffee with cheese or dipping crackers in jelly and her love of Breyers Ice Cream. She frequently lost the lid to the milk. She was a fanatic Beatles fan. Her favorite color was blue and her favorite word was sparkle. Her favorite flower was Baby's Breath. She enjoyed playing Petville on Facebook. But Mary's adventurous side carried over into her adult life. Through much secretiveness and planning, her children surprised her with a cruise to the Caribbean for her 50th birthday which she enjoyed with her sisters. A person with many talents, she was very artistic and creative. She loved making craft projects with her grandchildren. Music was very important in her life. She wrote songs and sang. Mary loved singing and dancing with her granddaughters. The simple things in life brought her happiness. She loved watching the birds and listening to their singing. Mary loved plants and dragonflies.

Mary's whole life symbolized a white rose and the white dove. Sadly, on April 12, 2010 at the age of 58, Mary passed away much too young. Her sister writes: Mary. Our little sister Maria Milargros, has gently gone to be with our Lord where there is music, love, and paradise. Mary was one of five children who grew up together in the Freeport, New York house. Together, we moved to Puerto Rico for one of the best years and adventures of our lives. She loved much and left a beautiful legacy of love. Her strength helped us in the chapters of our lives and will greatly be missed.

Mary is survived by her children: Enrique "Sunny", Benjamin Elliot, Jesumine Marie, Angela Pearle, Mylinda Dawn; grandchildren: Amane, Amber, Anilyse, Jacob, Benjamin, Lailani, Mercedes, Jeweliana, Jessalyn; sisters: Martha Mines, Diana Pino, Linda Elbert; and brother: Luis Enrique Anes.

A time for family and friends to gather and share in her memories is set for Friday, April 16, 2010 between the hours of 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Capital Community Church in Sterling, VA. A service will be held at the church on Saturday, April 17, 2010 starting at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Chester Mitchell will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Sterling, VA.