Carmen was born June 12, 1947 in Edinburg, TX to Benito and Ramona (Reyna) Gonzales. After graduating from Edinburg High School, she joined the staff at the Daily Review, where as a typesetter she helped to format articles and content for the Edinburg-based newspaper.
After her time at the Daily Review, Carmen went on to hold a variety of secretarial jobs at the Hidalgo County Courthouse and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Carmen met the love of her life, Guadalupe Villanueva, Jr., at a dance that was held at the Triple City Ballroom in San Juan. The two were married on August 6, 1977 surrounded by their friends and family at Sacred Heart Church in Edinburg.
Carmen took a break from her career to focus on raising her two children. She was active in the community, volunteering with the Headstart Program in San Juan and at Ford Elementary in Pharr. Carmen enjoyed writing poetry and often used her work to encourage students in the classroom.
Her love for molding and nurturing young minds led her to paraprofessional work at Longoria Elementary and Palmer Elementary in Pharr where she had the opportunity to work closely with students in a support role.
After retiring from PSJA ISD, Carmen enjoyed rest and relaxation, spending time with her husband while continuing to support her children's endeavors.
Carmen is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers Benito Gonzalez, Jr. and Jim Thomas. She's survived by her two children, sisters Maria G. Laudenslager and Norma Lorenzana, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements will be organized by Funeraria del Angel Palm Valley in Pharr, TX. Burial will take place at San Juan Cemetery on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 2pm. Those who wish to pay respects are welcome at the burial.
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