Carmen was the fourth of eleven children. By the age of 13, she had already assumed caregiving responsibilities for her younger siblings, demonstrating the selflessness that would define her life. At 14, she began working at La Cooperativa, the largest store in Smeltertown. She attended E.B. Jones School in Smeltertown and graduated eighth grade with admiration from her teachers—especially Mrs. Stevens.
Carmen was proud to be the daughter of Pinky, a flyweight boxing champion, and she carried the same fighting spirit throughout her life.
Carmen was a devoted wife to Jose Angel Monarez Sr. (Mamies and Pachan), with whom she shared a loving marriage of over 68 years. Her children will always have a lifelong admiration for her, as she was a working-class mother in the 1950s, and was the heart of the home. This created resilience within herself despite the typical housewife role, determination to show her children work ethic and self-sacrifice that was both silent and profound. She went on to excel in retail, eventually earning a management position at Lynn’s Apparel in downtown El Paso. She was a woman of Catholic faith, praying the rosary every night before bed.
Carmen enjoyed traveling to California, especially going on adventurous summer trips with her grandchildren on the Greyhound bus to visit her daughter’s family. She enjoyed escaping to the casino and happily came back with winnings. She fondly remembered her teenage years dancing. Above all, Carmen cherished time with her family. She will be remembered for her legendary family dinners and her delicious homemade tacos with a dollop of mustard.
She believed that silence was a form of complicity and always courage to speak the truth, especially when it mattered most. Carmen was a pillar of strength, warmth, and light touching the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jose Angel Monarez Sr.; her children: Jose Angel Monarez Jr., Irma Leticia Viera, Nora Ann De La Cruz, Anna Lisa Castanon (Jerry), and David Esteban Monarez; 21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 6 brothers.
Carmen was preceded in death by her beloved son, Daniel Ignacio Monarez; her parents, Pomposo and Elodia Urquidi; her sister, Socorro Johnson; and her brothers, Pomposo Jr., Manuel, and Arturo Urquidi.
Visitation will be Monday, May 12, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave. El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, 8011 Williamette Ave. El Paso, Texas 79907. Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 401 S Zaragoza Rd. El Paso, TX 79907.
