euskalkultura.eus

05/20/2023 - Glendale, California, USA

It is with deep sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Maria del Carmen Catalina Goñi Ruel Sanchez, also known as Carmelucha by her family and friends, on May 20, 2023 in Glendale, California, USA.

Maria del Carmen was born on April 30, 1923 to Francisco Goñi Isasi and Maria del Carmen Ruel Mogentale in Mexico City. Maria del Carmen’s father was Basque and Spanish. Her mother was Italian and her grandfather was Austrian.

In 1938, Maria del Carmen met Louis Valdez Sanchez when she was only 15 years old. Louis was in the US Air Force and on leave when he met Maria del Carmen at a bakery she worked at in Mexico City. Louis Valdez Sanchez fell in love with Maria del Carmen’s sweetness and beauty and could not erase her memory from his thoughts. Seven years later, when Maria del Carmen was 22 years old, Louis returned to Mexico City and asked for her hand in marriage. They married in Mexico City in 1947, and he brought her to his hometown of Glendale, California, USA.

Maria del Carmen and Louis Sanchez had four children, three daughters and one son. She outlived two of their children, Norma Sanchez Hotchkiss and Gary Sanchez.

She is survived by her daughters Peggy Teran and Lorena Carmina.

Maria del Carmen lived most of her life in Glendale, California, USA as a homemaker and mother. She loved to take care of her loved ones, cook gourmet meals, style hair at a hair salon she owned, listen to music, dance, and crochet.

Maria del Carmen recently celebrated her 100th birthday and had a beautiful birthday celebration amongst family and friends. Maria del Carmen was surrounded by family at the time of her passing in her home under her daughter Peggy’s care. She went peacefully and comfortably. Maria del Carmen was a wonderful sister, cousin, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.

(published by Mission Hills Mortuary)

Goian Bego (GB) - May she Rest in Peace