Carmen was born on August 4, 1941 in Indio California, she was raised with her 5 siblings in Fresno and Planada California.
She graduated high school in 1959 from Central High School in Fresno CA, where she was an honor student. During high school she sang with a singing group called The Four C’s and played the alto saxophone in the band, and marched in the Rose Bowl parade in 1959. Carmen continued her education after high school and started a career in her early twenties as a telephone operator with Pacific Bell, where she later retired.
Carmen was a very spiritual person and devoted Christian, she remained active at church until her last days. She loved to read and study the bible and taught all her children about God and Jesus Christ. She taught her children that no one was better than them, and that they were not above others, instilling that we are all God’s children.
She loved her family, and maintained a close relationship with her parents, siblings, uncles/aunts/cousins, children, and later in life was extremely close and devoted to her grandchildren. The bond she created with each of her grandchildren was special and she was able to make them all feel as if they were all equally her favorite.
She loved entertaining and was known by all her family and friends as a great cook and hospitable hostess. She loved to cook, especially for her family. Her enchiladas were a treat for all, if it was a special occasion in the house, you knew her enchiladas would be made. She was also known for growing her own fruits and vegetables, and took great pride in sharing what she grew with others.
Carmen was one of the most generous individuals anyone could ever meet. She found joy in giving to others and did so selflessly. All of her family, friends and strangers alike could feel her love through her generosity.
Carmen was spontaneous, adventurous, outgoing and loved to travel. Her favorite places to go were Disneyland, Monterey, camping in Yosemite, annual drives to see the wild flowers, and visiting family.
She is survived by and will be missed by: Her seven children: Jacqueline Ann Lindsay and son in law Stuart Lindsay, Luz Ann Buycks, Ernest Michael Garcia III, Lisa Maria Garcia, JoAnne Dolores Davis and son in law Lyle Davis, Elaine Carmel Suarez and daughter in law Elizabeth Rodriguez, and daughter Christine Jeanine Tovar.
Her grandchildren: Elise Lindsay, Kevin Lindsay, Ryan Vargas, Julia Tovar, Samantha Tovar, Zachariah Lopez-Garcia, Lauren Davis, Jennifer Tovar, Alex Tovar and Zachary Davis.
Her great grandchildren: Belle Lindsay and Naomi Lindsay.
Her siblings: Dolores Bustos, Joe Nunez, Gus Nunez and Jenny Martinez.
She was predeceased in death by: her father Miguel Mancha Nunez, her mother Dolores Nunez, her brother Miguel Nunez.
The memorial service/celebration of life will be held on October 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced CA 95340.
