Carmen Samudio Salazar was born on October 11, 1928 and died at home surrounded by her family on March 1st, 2024. Carmen was born near Pflugerville Texas to Dionicio “Steve” Samudio, a farmer, and Clara Prado, a housewife.
Carmen was the widow of John Frank Salazar and was preceded in death by her daughters Carmen Maria Salazar, Brenda Joyce Salazar and her parents Steve and Clara Samudio. She is also preceded in death by her two brothers: Jim and Ray and three sisters Angelina, Dora and Ofelia. And many other family members.
Carmen was a strong vibrant woman who raised five children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She loved the Texas Rangers and never missed a game. While Carmen herself only had a third grade education, until she completed night school in the 1960s, six of her seven grandchildren graduated college and one served two tours in Iraq.
Carmen retired from the City of Lubbock Solid Waste department. She was involved in several community organizations such as United Way, Guadalupe Neighborhood, Catholic Daughters. And was a long standing member of St Joseph Catholic Church.
Carmen is survived in death by daughter Lupe Garcia and her husband Jaime Sr; daughter Elizabeth Salazar; son John Salazar and his wife Rosa; and daughter Clarissa Arter. Her grandchildren are Jaime Jr. Garcia and wife Mandy; Gaspar Garcia; Javier Garcia; Jason Salazar; Alyssa Horton and her husband Kortney; and Sandra Garcia. Her great-grandchildren are Presley Garcia, Paloma Arter, Adriana Garcia, Cruz Arter and Amelia Garcia. She is also survived by her youngest sister Eva Carlisle and numerous generations of nieces and nephews.
She had 95 wonderful years of life and will be missed by many.