Maria del Carmen Aguilar

With great sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved sister, María del Carmen Aguilar, known affectionately by many as Carmelita, at the age of 72. Carmen was born on May 15, 1952 in Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua and passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024 surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her father Luis M. Aguilar, mother Altagracia Aguilar, and two oldest siblings María Elena and Luis.

Carmen was an educator at heart, having touched countless lives. She began her career as a French and Spanish teacher for the Ysleta Independent School District, having taught at Eastwood High School. She also taught at Pasodale Middle/Elementary and Thomas Manor Elementary. She taught ESL at El Paso Community College and taught Spanish to Japanese students with ESL International.

After spending several years as a public school teacher, she felt the calling to leave the profession to become a certified trainer with Personality and Human Relations International. She traveled extensively to receive and provide training, having been to France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Thailand, Canada, Mexico, and Guatemala.

Carmen was a Secular Franciscan, having professed on June 9, 1984. She belonged to the San Luis Rey Fraternity #128, which belongs to the Our Lady of Guadalupe, Empress of the Americas Region. She served as a Regional Formation Director for several years, as well as a Formation Director with her San Luis Rey Fraternity. Carmen dearly loved the Franciscans, especially the “Provincia Franciscana de San Pedro y San Pablo de Michoacán.”

Carmen loved to travel for both her personal formation as well as with family. Since she was a child she was very knowledgeable and enjoyed reading to learn. She selflessly gave of herself to her family and friends, her students, and her Franciscan family. She is leaving a deep void, but we trust in Our Lord Jesus Christ that she is rejoicing with Him.

Carmen is survived by her siblings María Guadalupe Aguilar, Imelda Aguilar, Irma Aguilar, Juan Antonio Aguilar (Eva), Jorge Aguilar, Lourdes Margarita Aguilar (Lonnie), María A. (Pili) Aguilar, Sergio Aguilar, and Myrna Morales (Arturo). She is also survived by dear nieces and nephews Michelle Aguilar, Juan Antonio Aguilar Jr. (Kendall), Isaac Morales, Ismael Morales, Sophia Morales, Amber Morales, and Cristian Aguilar, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear family friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Annabi, Nurse Practitioner Indira Prado, and the staff at The Clinic for Carmen’s care during her years-long battle with pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the staff at the ICU Unit at Las Palmas Medical Center for their care her last few days.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 5:00–9:00 p.m., with the Franciscan Wake at 6:00 p.m. and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 N. Carolina Dr. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2709 Alabama. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 401 S. Zaragoza Rd.