Country girl, whistler of tunes, off key singer of songs, jokester, crafting queen, friend to all, and teacher to all kids.

Born October 18, 1919 in the watermelon city of Crowley, Colorado. Carmen at 103 years of age passed away peacefully on April 14th with family around her. Mom to Douglas (deceased), Fred of Culver City and Anna Alexander of Las Vegas, NV, Grandmother to Rachel Vandergeest-Bleier and Great Grandmother to Siena Bleier of Grayslake, IL. Countless nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the country. Culver City was her home for 61 years. She enjoyed the community and schools for her children, partaking in the Rock Club, CC Historical Society, Summer Concerts on the City Hall lawn, Senior Center, St. Augustine church volunteer, La Ballona Fiesta, hiking and picnics in Baldwin Hills, Fireworks displays at CC high school, Chinatown lunches and so much more.

Carmen had so many lives; She was fearless and brave, independent, unbelievably artistic, had wisdom beyond the ages, hard worker, funny and authentic. There wasn't anything she couldn't do. A farm girl from Wyoming, restaurant owner, housebuilder, waitress, warehouseman, amazing cook, crafter of many mediums, Mother to the neighborhood, Grandmother to every child she met. Was a friend to all; from a Nobel Laureate to someone waiting at a bus stop. She has been called home and as she always said "I am not climbing those steps to St. Peter; I'll wait until the escalator is done"