Maria Carmelo Nunes

Carmel was born in Santa Antão, São Jorge Island Portugal and immigrated to California in 1969, starting a life defined by hard work, resilience, and devotion to family. She held various jobs before beginning a long and dedicated career as a custodian for the University of California, Davis, where she worked for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2009.

Carmel had a deep love for the outdoors, especially the ocean having grown up on an island. She enjoyed many years of camping and exploring the coast with her family, a passion that became a lasting influence on her son, and in turn her grandsons. Many cherished family memories were made during family campouts at Lawson’s Landing and Ocean Cove, where she found joy in nature and time together with family and friends. She also loved to cook, particularly at large family gatherings making her fabulous rice pudding, cookies, and jello salad. Nothing brought Carmel more happiness than spending time with her loved ones and doting on her grandsons, who were the light of her life.

Carmel is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Stephanie, and her beloved grandsons, Jonah and Ben, as well as many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Carmel was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel; daughter, Michelle; brothers, Tomas and Ricardo Nunes; and her sisters, Lucia Nunes and Connie Pedersen.

Carmel will be remembered for her warmth, strength, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.