Carmen C. Garcia

Olivia's blue-eyed baby girl, Carmen, whose eyes changed to green, has gone home to be with her beloved Lord Jesus Christ and departed loved ones. Carmen lived 82 years loving and serving the people in her life. She retired from the Landrum Cafeteria as manager after 35 years with the San Benito CISD food service. Carmen was a faithful member of St. Theresa Catholic Church, serving as a greeter for Saturday mass for many years. Up until late December, she lived independently at Fun N Sun senior park and drove her cherished Nissan Sentra. A series of strokes and viruses caused her physical decline but not her joy in giving and receiving love.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Rafael and Olivia Cortez Cariaga, brother Israel Cariaga, and three husbands: Francisco Cavazos, Martin Cavazos, and Manuel Garcia. She is survived by her beloved companion of 7 years, Ascension Martinez, daughters: Edna (Dolby) Linwood, Nora (Roger) de la Rosa, Ida (Jose) Saenz, Hilda Cavazos, Diana Cavazos, Ida (Jeff) Lindau, son: Martin Cavazos, Jr., sisters: Zoila (Alejandro+) Trevino, Oleida Cariaga, Hilda (Abelardo) Garcia, brother: Rafael (Hazel) Cariaga, numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 7 pm on Wednesday, April 18th at San Benito Funeral Home on Highway 77,with a viewing from 1pm to 9 pm that same day. A graveside service will be held on Thursday at 9 am at Mont Meta Memorial Park with Father Joe Villalon, from St. Theresa Catholic Church officiating. Pallbearers will be Dolby Linwood, Jose Saenz, Roger de la Rosa, Jeff Lindau, Martin Cavazos, Jr., and Manuel Andres Zamora.

The family would like to thank the many healthcare workers who tenderly cared for her in her final days, and the staff of Sunshine Haven who lovingly nursed her until she stepped into heaven. The family is grateful to the Lord for loaning Carmen: wife, mother, friend, to us for 82 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to Sunshine Haven in Olmito, which ministers to those in the final moments of life with compassion and dignity.