Carmen was born and raised in Barstow CA. She moved to San Francisco in the early 70’s, and worked at the Bank of America World Headquarters. She married and had two beautiful daughters, Misty and Raquel. In 1980 she separated from her husband.
In1981, she met the love of her life Doug Clark. They moved to the Los Angeles area in the summer of 1983, and were married in June of 1984. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Doug Junior, and the birth of their daughter, Samantha.
In 1989, they moved to Escondido CA. Carmen worked for the Escondido Union School District as a nutritionist/lunch lady, for over two decades. She said “she was feeding the future of America” at both Orange Glen Elementary and Del Dios Middle School.
Carmen was a Band Booster for Orange Glen High. She spent many early mornings French braiding the hair of the color guard team before competitions. At OG Elementary she was part of the PTA helping to organize the annual Halloween Carnival and led the first student talent show. Outside of school she supported her children in Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4H.
Carmen’s creative side thrived in all the craft projects she undertook over the years. Always doing special holiday projects, created memorable photo albums, handmade countless greeting cards for all occasions, and became an accomplished jewelry maker. She used beads, and jewels to make earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Carmen was a friend to many. She never judged anyone by their cover and had a diverse group of people who considered her a special friend.
Carmen is survived by her husband of 40 years Douglas Clark Sr, her daughter Misty Gonzales of Escondido, California; her daughter Raquel Suitts of San Marcos, California; her son Douglas Clark Jr. of Escondido, California; her daughter Samantha Clark of Escondido, California; her sister Teresa Craig of Rockwood, Tennessee; her sister Lupe Cohen of Cortland, Ohio.
Carmen was proceeded in death, by her parents, Jose and Esther Marquez, her brother Jose Marquez Jr. of Pass Christian, Mississippi, her brother Ray Marquez of Barstow, California.
Carmen is also survived by 3 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
A private family internment was held at Oak Hill Memorial Park, Escondido CA.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to The Elizabeth Hospice of Escondido in her name. https://elizabethhospice.org/donate-now/
