Maria del Carmen Cuenca Patterson

She was born in El Paso, Texas Carmen met George during World War II at an Army Hospital in El Paso where she was serving in a Nursing Program. Following that she moved to Virginia to start a family. She settled in Alexandria for the last 52 years, raising 6 children. Carmen was of the pioneering generation of women whom came to the Washington DC area, and balanced raising a family with a full time career. She was employed as a secretary with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Carmen was also a classical musician. She loved to teach people about music, playing the piano and viola she loved to instruct people who wanted to learn to play music.

She is survived by 5 children, 12 grand-children, and 9 great grand-children.

A memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday November 7, 2012 at 2:00 PM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 310 S. Royal St., Alexandria, VA. She will be taken to her place of rest later in the week to Jonesboro Cemetery Nelson County, VA.