In Carmen's Own Words....

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First of all, I want to thank you all for coming to celebrate my farewell as I begin my journey to Heaven. I am finally free!!

As many of you know, I was a lifetime resident of Pagosa Springs. I was born on April 28, 1942 in Edith Colorado to Ruben and Lupita Valdez. I attended Pagosa Springs High School and graduated from the "University of Life." I don't want to brag about my life. There are lots of things I am not proud of, for I too was a sinner. But, oh, how I love you all. If I offended any of you, which I might have, please forgive me.

On January 23, 1963 I married Johnny Martinez. After a few years on January 16, 1967, I gave birth to Renee. She was my heart, my life, and my most beloved earthly possession. Renee is the best daughter a mother could ever want. Together we struggled, together we succeeded. I could not have done it without my Renee. Everyday, I thank God for giving me my daughter. I was truly blessed.

For seven years I worked at the Saw Mill and most don't know that I was a Certified Lumber Grader. I also worked at Jan's Cafe, the Junction Restaurant, Diamond-J Convenient Store, and was a Caregiver. On December 27, 1997 Joey and Renee were married. From this union, I was blessed with my two grandsons: Brock and Trenton.

I have lost the battle, but I have won the war. I am free.

Pray that God will forgive me for my mistakes and for my sins on Earth.

Please try to remember me as I always tried to be: a nice, warm, loving, giving person.

I am preceded in death by my mama Lupita, my daddy Ruben, my Godsons Roland Lee Sanchez and James Garcia, my brother Anthony Valdez, my niece Angelina Curvey, my sister-in-law Jean Valdez, my brother-in-law Ray Sanchez, my little poodle Emmie-Lou, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

I am survived by my daughter Renee and son Joey Cordova, my two sun shines: Brock and Trenton. My sister Lupe Sanchez, my brother Mencor Valdez (and Janet), my sister Tessie Curvey (and my Angel Bob), my sister Virginia Maes, my baby sister Ruby (and Phil), Tia Clara, Aunt Jenny and Tio Celestinio Martinez, Aunt Rachael Griego. Along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and 17 Godchildren.

I want to thank my family for taking such good care of me, loving me, and standing by me during this long period of illness. What a great family!! We come from good stock, don't we?

I also want to thank Father Kenny, Father Doug, and Father Hygienis for their services. 

To the Rivas band, thank you, I know the music was great!

Thank you to my pallbearers and to my honorary pallbearers.

To all the doctors, nurses, EMT's, and all medical personnel thank you for keeping me alive so that I was able to spend more time with all the people I love.

To my dear friends Michael and his Penitentes, thank you for praying the Rosary, I love you all.

I would like to thank my "Little Birdie," mi Nina," Robin who was always by my side. She was truly an angel sent from God. I thank her for the midnight visits and long talks when I was so sick. You were always there--no one will ever know in 100 years. Please don't cry, my little Birdie, just be happy for me--I'm free at last.

I hope that I have kept this short and sweet, because I won't want to be boring. Know that I love you all. God Bless You All until we meet again, Carmen

I'll see you in Heaven!! 

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