Carmen C. Contreras

Carmen immigrated to the United States in the late 40s to Navasota, Texas. She arrived with her husband, Florentino, and their daughters Olivia and Graciela. By the time the family moved to Houston in 1956, the parents had welcomed five new children: Evangelina, Leonora, Aurora, Marcelino, and María, respectively. Carmen’s family continued to grow, which eventually included Gloria, Florentino Jr., Joe, and Anna.

Carmen enjoyed flowers and her birds. She was a dedicated member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church.

Carmen is preceded in death by her spouse, Florentino Mata Contreras, parents Santos and Apolinar and her first son, José Luis. She is survived by their 11 children, 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Children and spouses: Olivia C. Barron and husband Jim, Gracie C. Acosta, Evangelina Contreras, Leonora C. Carrizal and husband Raymond, Aurora Contreras, Marcelino Contreras, Marie E. Arteaga and husband Hector Barrios, Gloria C. Garza and James, Florentino Contreras, Jr., Joe Contreras and wife Amy Rios, and Anna C. Chitty and husband Robert P.; Grandchildren and Spouses: Silvia (Adam C.), Jimmy (Julie), Adam O. (Amanda), Wesley (Melissa), Raymond, Alex (Linda), James, Fabian (Imelda), Carmen (Damon), Arthur, Caroline, Idalia, Jacob (Elizabeth), Manuel (Cindy), Monica (Karim), Moises, Edward, Joe (Casey), Andrew (Anna) and Braulio (Margaret).

Great Grandchildren and Spouses: Adam Jr. (Claudia), Bianca, Julia, Jimmy, Adam Jay, Aaliyah, Jonathan, Anastasia, Alex (Felicia), Gabrielle, Christian, Desyree, Elieen, Analise, Andrew, Alexis, Julian, Shawn, Seth, Ava, Sarah, Giselle, Monica and Theresa. Great Great Grandchildren: Adam III, Alexander, Janelle, Natalie, Mia and Lawrence.

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2014, at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 10500 Nold, Houston, Texas 77016. Rite of Committal will follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.