Carmen Frances Knebel

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Russo; grandson, Gregory Watler; and son-in-law, Richard Bachert. Survivors include brothers, Joseph Russo and his wife Sally, and Benjamin Russo and his wife Rose; daughter Yvonne Bachert, daughter Lana Ledet and her husband Richard son Eddie Knebel, Jr. and his wife Hilda; and daughter Diane Watler. Carmen’s grandchildren include Alison Martinez and her husband Jeremy, Rachel Bachert, Aaron Bachert and his wife Ashleigh, Brian Ledet, and Santiago Tagle and his wife Jenny; great-grandchildren Makayla Bachert, Julia Martinez, McKinley Martinez, Oberon Tagle; and many nieces and nephews.

As a native Houstonian, Carmen was so proud of her city, its sports, shopping, and theaters. She was an avid fan of the Astros, Rockets and Oilers/Texans, UT and LSU. She was proud of her Italian heritage, and looked forward to spending time with her Italian friends when they gathered as the Ladies of the Sacred Heart. She lived a blessed and full life complete with adventures, rich experiences, and a loving family.

Carmen grew up in the Great Depression and because of that knew the importance of saving but also enjoying what you have.

Graduating from Lamar High School in 1945 and married in 1946, Carmen enjoyed dancing, live music and theater, and the movies. If you knew Carmen, you knew that hearing music meant her toes were tapping and her hands were clapping. Knowing Carmen meant you knew she loved fiercely. She was loyal and true to those she held close. If you knew Carmen, you were lucky.

Carmen had a long career with Venetian Blind and Floors/Gulf Coast Window Coverings. She was fortunate to have such wonderful guidance and leadership early in her career that she built herself into a trusted shareholder.

Carmen loved to travel and was fortunate to travel the world. Whether it was a weekend getaway with girlfriends to the Texas Hill Country to celebrate the 4th of July Willie Nelson style, Mexico with business partners, a Paris runway show, a family girls trip to NYC, celebrating her 80th birthday with family on a cruise, off to a college town for a football game with grandsons, zip-lining across the Costa Rican rainforest, or singing in her community choir, Carmen wanted to experience life and many were lucky enough to go along with her.

Her strong Catholic faith and love of family guided her in all decisions. Carmen knew that God was first and all blessings came from Him. Because of her strong faith, she believed in sharing her gifts. You could see that in her generous spirit towards others and in the community.

Carmen cherished time with family, and the distance of miles between precious family just meant more trips and more shared experiences.

Carmen left her mark on this world. We won’t be able to hear Michael Buble’ or Elton John without thinking of her bright smile, contagious laugh, and a need to tap our toes to the music. Thank you, Carmen/Mom/Mimi/Mimi the Great, for the lessons, blessings, and experiences.

The family will gather for a private Catholic Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael and Rite of Committal on Tuesday, the 3rd of November 2020. Please copy and paste this link for live stream of service: https://youtu.be/fg7t0ndK0zU

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that donations in her name be directed to the Italian Cultural and Community Center Scholarship Fund, 1100 Milford St., Houston, TX, 77006; St. Agnes Academy, 9000 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX, 77036; or to Texas Children’s Hospital, 6621 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030. Direct links to these organizations may be accessed below under “Donations.”