Marcela Lopez Tavares, 36, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a brave battle with cancer.

She was born on January 16, 1990, in Toppenish, Washington, to Enrique Lopez and Maria Tavares. In 1994, the family moved to Lexington where Marcela began attending Lexington Public Schools. She graduated from Lexington Senior High School with the class of 2008. After graduation, Marcela worked at Walmart for several years until she transitioned to Tyson, where she worked for 14 years. Marcela was in a long-term partnership with the love of her life, Juan Villalon, and the two shared five children: Arturo, Jocelynne, Juan Angel, Daisy, and Kamila.

Marcela had a bubbly personality and always brought joy into the lives of others. She was known as always being in a happy mood, even after she became ill; she had a remarkable way of making everyone around her feel special and loved. She never knew a stranger, welcoming people with warmth and kindness.

She loved to travel and embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. Marcela liked to exercise, especially running and swimming, and she went on walks often. She also loved to go shopping, enjoyed eating chocolates, and always appreciated receiving flowers, even if they didn't last long. Marcela was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington. Her faith helped her endure and persevere during some of the toughest moments in life. Above all of these things, she most cherished time spent with her family.

Those left to cherish her memory are her parents, Enrique Lopez and Maria Tavares of Lexington; partner, Juan Villalon of Lexington; children, Arturo (Daniela) Lopez of Iwakuni, Japan, Jocelynne Lucia Trejo Lopez, Juan Angel Trejo, Daisy Villalon, and Kamila Itzel Villalon Lopez, all of Lexington; siblings, Omar (Halewya) Lopez of Seattle, Washington, Juana Lopez of Gothenburg, Daniel (Sara) Lopez of Kuwait, and Elizabeth Lopez Tavares of Lexington; uncles, David Tavares and Juan Angel Tavares, both of Lexington, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez officiating.

Burial will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Lexington following the service.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m. There will be a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com