Elisa Margarita McConnon Lopez

Elisa Margarita McConnon Lopez, aged 62, passed away on January 18th, 2025, in Cumming, Georgia, surrounded by family. 

Elisa was born April 15th, 1962, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, the daughter of Jorge Lopez Garcia and Ernestina Marines Guerrero. She was an older sister to Gloria E. Lopez Marines. 

Elisa graduated from La Escuela Preparatoria No. 15 Unidad Florida in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, in 1979, and then went on to become an English teacher in her home city. She later on became a stage actor and toured multiple cities in Mexico. 

Elisa married John Emmett McConnon III on August 24th, 1996, in Delisle, Mississippi. They met in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, while Elisa worked at a manufacturing plant that John visited for business. John says that when he first saw her, he knew who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Together they raised 5 children: Angie McConnon (41), Elisa Margarita McConnon (38), Faith Marie McConnon (27), John Emmett McConnon IV (24), and Georgina Maria McConnon (22). While raising children, Elisa and John loved traveling together; their most memorable trip being to Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. They also traveled to many places in the Americas, Europe, and Australia. 

One of Elisa’s greatest and more recent passions was her work with the Mentor Me Mentoring After School (MAS) program. Through years of selfless service, she built an education program for school children and their families that transcended language and culture. She bridged gaps between families and much needed community resources and served as a fierce advocate for the Latino/Hispanic community in Forsyth County. Elisa generously shared her whole heart with everyone she encountered. She was more than a mentor; she was a friend. She ensured that students had academic and emotional support as well as mentoring on safety and personal well-being. Elisa freely shared her kindness and boundless energy to lift others up, help others succeed, and make a positive difference. Her personal impact on these students, families, volunteers, and community members are immeasurable and enduring. Besides her contributions to Mentor Me, Elisa served as a volunteer interpreter at public schools, volunteered at Northside Hospital, and was an active member of many community organizations, including the Optimist Club. Elisa gave all of herself selflessly with unconditional acceptance, generosity, and joy. In all things, whether in English or Spanish, she spoke of loving one another. 

Elisa was a devout Catholic who loved volunteering at religious services and helping her community in any way she could. She often went on retreats to learn more about her religion, to be closer to God and those around her. She had a strong and unshakeable faith to the Lord which always translated to those she loved. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, gardening, dancing, singing, and traveling. She had the most beautiful voice and sang in a choir with her church friends during services. She encouraged her family and friends to enjoy music - all of her kids were part of some music-related activity, whether through school, in public, or at home. 

Elisa lit up any room she walked into. She was admired and loved by any person who met her. Whether a long-time friend or a complete stranger, she left an impact on everyone she met. 

Remaining to cherish Elisa’s memory are her husband, John III; children, Angie, Elisa, Faith, John IV, and Georgina McConnon; son-inlaw, Jose Javier de la Rosa; grandchildren, Jose Javier, Elisa Marie, and Evelyn Mae de la Rosa; sister, Gloria E; and Luna, her Australian cattle dog. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 29th, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Ingram Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 30th, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at St. Brendan The Navigator Catholic Church. Anyone is welcome to attend either or both events. 

In lieu of flowers and cards, memorial donations in Elisa’s memory can be made to support a project she was passionate about completing by April 2025. A GoFund Me account, named "Elisa’s Good Will: Supporting a Friend", has been set up for this project.

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements. 

Condolences may be expressed online at ingramfuneralhome.com.