Carmen Gonzalez Cover

Carmen passed away at home in Albuquerque on March 21, at age 97. Carmen was born in Las Cruces to Pedro and Maximina Gonzalez; she was predeceased by her husband, Brooks; sons Ulis Kelly and David Kelly, and her sisters, Amelia and Dolores. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Kious (husband Michael); her two grandchildren, Ryan Kious, of Albuquerque, and Joshua Kelly, of Bakersfield, California, and great grandchild Vanessa Ann Kelly; nieces Roxann Liccioni (husband Sean) and Carla Franco (husband Johnny), and her great nephew, Kristoff Van Dyke and family. Carmen was a remarkable woman who could do just about everything; as a young girl she adored her father, and learned to be selfsufficient through his example. She enjoyed socializing with friends, but was happier on a roof repairing damaged shingles. Through a disciplined selfstudy, she became an LPN at age 49, and eventually began teaching at Pima Medical Institute until age 80, and was loved by her students. Fiercely independent, she found it difficult to surrender to the care of others, which she did for the past ten years, with her daughter, Patty, finding the right caregivers so Carmen could stay in her own home. The family thanks Legacy Hospice nurses, Lindsey and Mary, for providing wonderful care. Thanks, also, to Chaplain Mable Lopez. And a special thank you to two caregivers, Leticia Ramirez-Diaz and Gloria Henao, whom Patty is certain were sent by God to provide 24/7 loving care for Carmen for eight years. They went above and beyond and will never be forgotten.

Arrangements have been provided by Daniels Family Funerals; a family gathering for a rosary will be held on Wednesday, April 7, with a graveside memorial the following day.