Carmen Madero Valenzuela

Carmen was born on January 9, 1947, to Francisco and Consuelo Madero. She grew up in a lively, loving household with her three sisters and brother—Velia (Rudy) Luera, Amelia (Leonard) Basurto, and Concepción (Vaughn) Croft and her brother Ruben (Aida) Madero—a close family that shaped her joyful and generous spirit.

A proud Tucsonan, Carmen graduated from Tucson High School and went on to earn her Master’s in Education from the University of Arizona. She dedicated over 30 years of her life to working with special needs children, a career that reflected her compassion, patience, and unwavering belief in the dignity and potential of every child she served.

Carmen was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Valenzuela, whom she married on December 24, 1972 beginning a lifelong partnership and a shared devotion to family. Together they raised two daughters, Christina Valenzuela and Marcella (Jose) Haro, who remained the center of her world.

Carmen was the heart of every gathering. She had a smile that could light up a room and a warmth that made everyone feel welcome. She loved to cook, often experimenting in the kitchen and creating family favorites—most famously her potato‑and‑onion casserole. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of her latest culinary creation.

She also loved to dance, filling rooms with her energy and joy. And she was a devoted bingo enthusiast—whether at the casino or at family get‑togethers, she brought excitement, humor, and a spark that made every game feel like a celebration. Carmen had a gift for turning ordinary moments into cherished memories.

Family was her greatest treasure. She was blessed with seven grandchildren (Vicente, Jena, Joey, Thomas, Caesar, Amber and Cisco) and seven great‑grandchildren (Michael, Monroe, Luna, Bella, Kimber, Juliana and Dusan), each of whom brought her immense pride and joy. She embraced her role as matriarch with grace, humor, and endless love, creating traditions and memories that will be carried forward for generations.

Carmen’s life was defined by joy, generosity, and connection. She brought people together with her cooking, her dancing, her laughter, her boundless love and never faulting smile. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched—her family, her students, her friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved and remembered.

A visitation will be held on January 6, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, located at 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.

The funeral service is scheduled for January 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, located at 602 W Ajo Wy, Tucson, AZ 85713.

Following the funeral service, a graveside service will take place on January 7, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at South Lawn Cemetery, located at 5401 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.