Carmen V. De Luna

Carmen V. De Luna — a devoted wife, mother, educator, dear friend, and faithful Catholic servant for over eight decades — unexpectedly passed from this life on February 12, 2026. She peacefully departed this earth to be with our Lord, surrounded by family at her rancho in Atascosa, Texas. She was 82 years old.

Carmen, lovingly known as “Carmela,” was born on May 10, 1943, in Villa Aldama, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Josefina S. Chacon and Carmen Villafuerte. At the age of eight, she was brought as a childhood immigrant to the Westside of San Antonio, Texas, by her mother, along with her younger sister Lupe, por una vida mejor.

Her early years in the United States were marked by struggle: living in poverty, picking cotton, moving frequently between crowded apartments and motels, changing schools, and learning a new language. Yet through resilience, creativity, and her compassionate spirit, Carmen adapted and persevered. Through hard work and determination, she learned English, progressed in her studies, and formed lifelong friendships with Vangie, Rosemary, and Olivia, whom she met at Ira Ogden Elementary, Irving Middle School, and Jefferson High School.

While attending San Antonio College, she cultivated a relationship with the love of her life, Gilberto De Luna, Sr. They had first met as teenagers at San Juan de los Lagos Church. Years later, Carmen saw him again at SAC and summoned the courage to say, “Hi, Gilbert!” The next day, he waited for her in that same spot. They courted in the way you did back then and were married on August 2, 1964. Shortly after, they moved to their beloved ranchito in Atascosa, Texas, where they raised five children whom they loved dearly and built a life together.

In addition to being a devoted homemaker, Carmen worked alongside her husband to grow their farm. She also served her community as a substitute teacher, and became known for her beautiful wedding cakes. Determined to continue her education, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bilingual Education from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 1982, consistently making the Dean’s List. She went on to teach first and second grade for 29 years at Southwest ISD, respectfully and lovingly teaching both English and Spanish to students who, like her, were navigating a new language and culture.

After retiring, Carmen devoted seven years to caring for her beloved husband following his stroke. They were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary before his passing in 2015.

The last decade of her life was devoted to service at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Macdona. Her volunteer work included the First Christmas in Heaven Ministry, Cenáculo de la Divina Misericordia, Altar Society, Bereavement Ministry, Ladies ACTS Retreats, the Pastoral Council and she was a Cursillista. She also founded the Rosary Makers Ministry, which she held dear to her heart. During this time, she reconnected with parishioners from decades past and formed cherished new relationships, becoming a mother figure within the whole parish and making dear friends with her self-named senior comadres, “Las Chulitas.”

Anyone who spent time in Carmen’s kitchen knew she made the best tamales every Christmas, and you could always hear her sweet voice singing “Guantanamera” while washing dishes. She loved birdwatching and witnessing hawk migrations at Hazel Bazemore Park in Corpus Christi. She found peace in prayer, tending her garden, sewing, crocheting, making jewelry, and listening to mariachis. She enjoyed international travel and local road trips, but most of all, she cherished time spent with her family and friends.

We will miss her laugh, her beautiful smile, her warm abrazos, and the way she made each of us feel in her presence. Upon learning of her illness, she did not cry but simply said, “Well, I’ve lived a long, good life…and I will leave it in God’s hands.” Sí. Lo hiciste, Carmela. Que descanses en paz con los ángeles.

Carmen is preceded in death by her mother, Josefina S. Chacon; her father, Carmen Villafuerte; her husband, Gilberto De Luna, Sr.; and her son, Gilbert De Luna, Jr. She is also reunited in heaven with her mother-in-law, Julia F. De Luna; father-in-law, Raul De Luna, Sr.; sister-in-law, Carmen De Luna Lopez; and her faithful perrito, Güero.

She is survived by her children: Patricia Bautista (Deacon Estevan), John De Luna, Anna De Luna, and Peter De Luna (Cecilia); her granddaughters, Kathleen and Cordelia De Luna; and her sisters, Guadalupe Villafuerte, Manuela Long, Dolores Islas, and Rose Chacon. She will also be dearly missed by her brother-in-law, Raul De Luna, Jr. (Carolyn); sister-in-law, Sylvia De Luna; her chosen mijo, David Davis; and her loving sobrinos y sobrinas — Cindy, Robbie, Eddie, Julie, Angel, Fina, Ruby, Christina, Codie, Clara, Ben, and Crystal — along with many other beloved family members, dear friends, colleagues, and her large faith community.