I will always remember Carmen saying "I love you" so freely to everyone.  I'll remember her strength.  How she would rally and show herself strong whether to family gatherings or visitors.  I'll remember her dancing and saying that she feels no pain while dancing. I'll remember her very  special and loving relationship she had with her children and the beautiful respect between them.  I'll remember her smiling and laughing. Her delicious cooking.  and welcoming home.  Thank you family for the legacy you nurtured. We will see you again in heaven.

We'd be sitting by each other and she'd call out "Skyyyyyyyler" and I'd say "Graaaaaaandma" a few times back and forth whenever we got together. 

Carmen was an inspiration for all of us "Malibu Moms" in how to be a mother and grandmother.  She never judged, she only loved.    Spending time with her, playing Chinese checkers, watching the boys in the pool or simply enjoying the sun, she never failed to ask about each and every member of my family, including her "other son", a.k.a.  Yvonne's "Brother from another Mother".  Whenever a camera came out, her radiant smile would appear, belying any pain or turmoil (as this photo attests, as it was taken on November 14th, 2019).  I will forever miss hearing her greeting of "Hello Mija" whenever I visited, seeing her smiling face and watching her bring my dormant orchids back to life - Carmen's green thumb was the among the most amazing things I've ever seen!  I will always treasure the memories of our time spent together.  Gone too soon...

When life got a little chaotic raising 3 boys, I would often wonder.......How did mama do it with TEN? She has long been my inspiration, role-model, and one of thee strongest people I know.  (as a mother, a woman and a human being) She sure has set the bar high, that's for sure! Have you seen the amazing humans she's raised? When I think of mama, for some reason, I always hear her say, "You better believe it!" It was probably her response when I told her she made the best tortilla and eggs, the best Spanish rice, or better yet, maybe it was when I told her she was a great dancer and an incredible mother.   I will miss you beyond words, but promise to keep you alive in our memories.  You better believe it!

Mama is one of my all time heroes. She has inspired me to never give up and to know it’s never too late. She is a testimony of Philippians 4:13, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.”
When she was in her 50’s she learned how to drive a car, took English classes, where she learned to speak fluently, and started a new career in a Child Development Center. Not only did she try new things, she perfected the ones she knew. Gardening, crocheting, cooking (her shredded beef dish is one of my favorites, very tedious prep, the flavor absolutely delicious). I’m grateful for my beautiful mother in law. She had deep, authentic  faith in Jesus and deep, authentic love for her family. I will miss her saying, “I love Lisa’s laugh”. I will miss laughing with you Mama. You are forever in my heart. I love you❤️


I love and miss Grammy Carmen, Mamma,... 
“MY Mother” as you all say(!)... she was a loving, solid, second Gramma to my kids and a solid example of mother and family-leader, to me. 

So many memories... Buddy the dog falling into the pool showing off for her, the Yakima box on my van...(!) Christmas gatherings, Mother’s day, JoeMack’s First Communion party, her 80th Birthday at the beach party... all come rushing back. She was there. She made all of us feel loved and important ... and responsible for our choices. 

She and I had an ongoing “Best Rose Grown competition”... She was seasoned... she always won! AND SHE had a green thumb that could grow anything from a “fingernail pinching”! What a gift. 

She made the best chicken soup with BIG CHUNKS and whole pieces! Comfort food. 
She taught me the “ear wick trick” for an ear ache. 

She was loved and adored by ALL of her HUGE family and that was so inspiring to witness. 

The strong bond of your family, your caring for Mario and then HER,  and each other, is the ultimate example of her legacy and phenomenal success... Wonderful Life... so Well Lived and Loved... 

I mourn your departure. 
I love you Carmen

OBITUARY

Carmen S Esquerra

July 16, 1932 – December 4, 2019

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Final Resting Place

Carmen S Esquerra

Centennial Garden at Canyon V