Carmelita R. Salazar
Carmelita Remedios Garcia Salazar was born on July 16, 1925 to Victor and Luisa Garcia. Her beautiful 92 years with us ended on Saturday, February 17, 2018. Carmelita was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Paul J. Salazar and son, Donald M. Salazar. Carmelita was raised in South Williams by her mother, grandmother Remedios and step father Andres Benavides. Her siblings include Victor Garcia, Crucita Garcia, Andrew Garcia, Joseph Garcia and her last living brother, Louie Garcia and his wife Frances. Her greatest love and commitment was to her children: P. Michael, daughter-in-law Joanne Sanchez (deceased), Donald and widow Bergit Salazar Mandel, Richard and wife Eva Behrens, Barbara and husband Ron Jaynes, David and wife Wendy, Frank and wife Arianne Singer. Her love was vast, as her grandchildren can attest: Casandra and husband Ron Sisneros; Auben, Paul and his wife Summer; Evita, Diego, Simone; Scott Jaynes, Marisa and husband Cary Dougherty; Devon, Whitney and husband Scott Deal; Jackie, Gwen Mesco and husband Afsheen Family, Roxanna Mesco and Devon Gosline, Katrijn and husband Elliot Eaves. Yet, there was more than enough love for her great-grandchildren: Cisco Sisneros; Dawn, Colin James and Paul Salazar; Keenan Dougherty; Lennon Deal born February 19, 2018; Miles and Malcolm Messily, Agatha Eaves, Zoey Gosline.
Carmelita’s life was a joyful journey. She met Paul at Albuquerque High School. They married in 1942 during WWII. During the war, she lived with Paul in Virginia as he awaited deployment. Their next stop was San Francisco where Paul attended the San Francisco School of Mortuary Science. Upon returning home, Carmelita worked hand-in-hand with Paul as he, his father and brother established Salazar and Sons Mortuary. She raised her six children in their home of 65 years, where she died surrounded by three generations of family. Carmelita lived an active life in her community, at her children’s schools, at the American Legion, at St. Joseph’s Hospital as a volunteer, with many friends, and with Paul in retirement traveling in Europe, Mexico and the USA. Carmelita’s family is designated as direct descendants of the Founding Families of Santa Fe and Albuquerque (Primeras Familias de Nuevo Mexico) as certified by the NM Genealogical Society. Carmelita was lovingly cared for during these last four months by caregivers Debora, Lena, Grace, Patricia and Rhonda. Thank you to her hospice nurse, Monica and aide, Erica.
At the core of Carmelita’s life is family. Join her family as we celebrate a life well lived. Carmelita’s Life Celebration will begin with a service on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Salazar Mortuary. Burial will be held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 9:45 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Please visit Carmelita’s online guestbook at www.SalazarFunerals.com
SALAZAR MORTUARY 400 Third St SW 242-1133