• Mary Ann LopezPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Glen Ellyn, IL

Phone: 630-433-0783; Hometown: Naperville

Bio: Mary Ann Lopez grew up in Calumet City, studied Political Science at Northern Illinois University; Studied Print Journalism at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she earned a Master's Degree. She has worked for Patch.com since 2010. Prior to Patch, Mary Ann worked in new media at the Sun Time News Group, was involved with the launch of YourHub.com in Denver, was a reporter at the Durango Herald covering a number of beats; Staff reporter at The Montrose Daily Press; Interned at The Staunton Daily News Leader in Staunton, Va. and The Boulder Daily Camera.

Growing up in Calumet City, I was was the youngest of four children and the only girl. During my formative years, I suffered many bumps, bruises and nuggies at the hands of three older brothers, which may have toughened me up for a career in journalism.

I lived in Cal City most of my life until relocating to Boulder, Colo. for graduate school. Once in Colorado, I spent eight years studying and working before returning to the Chicago area. I have a bachelor's degree in political science from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree in print journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I interned at The Boulder Daily Camera and The Daily News Leader in Staunton, Va., and I'm a Chips Quinn Scholar.

A journalist for more than 10 years, I started working at small-town papers, including The Durango Herald, in Durango, Colo., where I covered a variety of beats including agriculture, education and business. During my time as a journalist, I've won many awards, including six awards in one year.

In 2005, I moved to online journalism, first for YourHub.com and later the Sun-Times News Group. I began my career with Patch.com one of two Naperville local editors, then I moved on to be the Glen Ellyn local editor. Now, I am the DuPage County business editor, writing about real estate, small business and other business interests.

In my free time, I practice and teach yoga, run, and spend time at the dog park with my Australian shepherd rescue, Sadie. I love the outdoors, love to ski, camp and hike. I may take on another triathlon.

If you see me in a local coffee shop, stop and say hello.

Posting Activity

Glen Ellyn|News|

Parents Ask District 41 and School Board to Slow Think Tank Process

The Glen Ellyn District 41 Board of Education will hear the Think Tank initiative proposal at its Feb. 25 business meeting. Watch the video about divergent thinking related to the Think Tank that was presented at Monday's board meeting.

Glen Ellyn|News|

Total Student Enrollment Tops 28,000 at COD

The school is the largest community college in Illinois. Full-time enrollments are up 3.8 percent over the same time last year.

Total Student Enrollment Tops 28,000 at COD
Glen Ellyn|News|

Super Bowl Sunday: Food Ideas, Safety Tips

The Super Bowl is Feb. 3. We share tips to make sure your food makes them smile and share some recipe options. Also, have a favorite recipe? Share it with readers in comments.

Super Bowl Sunday: Food Ideas, Safety Tips
Glen Ellyn|News|

Flour + Wine Feeds Off Community, Gives Back in Support

The restaurant in business since May 2012 has experienced tremendous community support and in return is supporting the Music Education Foundation through an upcoming raffle.

Flour + Wine Feeds Off Community, Gives Back in Support
Glen Ellyn|News|

B.R. Ryall YMCA Receives Grant Funding

The funding will help the Y provide after school programs to children in need in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton.

B.R. Ryall YMCA Receives Grant Funding
Glen Ellyn|News|

Weather Alert: Ice Storm Predicted Sunday

Freezing rain mixed with sleet is expected to arrive in the area Sunday morning. A freezing rain advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday night.

Weather Alert: Ice Storm Predicted Sunday