Maria del Carmen Pineda

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Maria del Carmen Pineda, who passed away at the age of 77 on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 in Yakima, Washington. She was born on December 18th, 1947 in McAllen, Texas to Guadalupe Pineda and Miguel Pineda. The family migrated to Moxee, Washington in the mid 1950's. Maria was enrolled in Holy Rosary Catholic School as a child. She received a religious education up to graduation in 1967.

Our mother was a hard worker. She worked at various places in the Yakima Valley such as Bailey’s denim factory, Epic, and even Mervyn’s. Her niche was found as a home caregiver for more than 20 years. She provided endless hours of care for others and then would come home to care for her two children on her own. While caring for her children she instilled many life lessons including diligence, protectiveness, relentlessness, faith in God, fortitude, community service, and ingenuity. She had an eye for improving and adapting many items or structures in need of craftsmanship. Our mother was an extremely compassionate and empathetic person. She was soft in her demeanor and remained humble. She projected a loving nature to the very end.

Easter was a very special celebration in our family. While decorating was one of her many hobbies, Easter was her favorite. Mom would say, “I hope we have enough eggs to crack”. She took such a delight to the kids running around and cracking the confetti eggs over each other. Not only would we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, but we learned her family history through storytelling at gatherings. The stories unfolded like the confetti eggs themselves. The family time we spent together growing up under Mom’s care was priceless. Mom loved us and the people in her life. We shall honor her even more so in future Easters celebrations and teach our own children the importance of just being together with family and friends. Even if a phone call was all she had, she would do it whole-heartedly and valued relationships with her loved ones. She was a true believer and disciple of the Lord.

In 2004, Maria moved to Riverview Manor in Selah Wa. and resided there for 20 years. It was here she could focus on crafting home-made items, listening to audio books, and visiting with family and friends. Towards the beginning of 2024, she fell ill once more and was transferred to Crescent Nursing home till her last day. Our family sincerely thanks the staff at Crescent nursing facility for making her final days beautiful and comfortable.

Her greatest pride and joy existed in the upbringing of her two children. She is survived by son, Stephen( wife - Mary) Martinez and daughter, Sophia Martinez. She leaves behind her grandchildren Elisabeth ( husband - Eduardo) Mora, Raymond Martinez, Mia Martinez, and Ava Nunez.

She will be remembered as having a tough love, style of child-rearing. Her valuable life lessons were rooted in her Catholic faith and everyone who knew her, knew she was firm yet had the biggest heart and so much love to give. We will carry your legacy in our hearts, including your dedication to prayer and good-will to others. You taught us to be humble, to help those less fortunate, and to take care of each other. Thank you for the wisdom you planted in our souls. Your smiles, laughs, and spunkiness were contagious, and we know you have found peace and clarity in God’s hands.

She is proceeded in death by her brothers Jacinto (Jack) Pineda, Francisco (Frank) Pineda, Guadalupe (Jesse) Dejesus Pineda, Carlos Pineda, Juan de Dios Pineda and sisters Dolores Pineda, Maria Reyes Gamez.

She is also survived by her siblings Rigoberto Pineda, Miguel Pineda, Jose Pineda, and Maria Angela Pineda, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

May you rest in eternal peace mother. We love you and will remember all your stories and fond memories, until meet again.

Her viewing and service will be held by Langevin El Parasio funeral home in Yakima.