Maria Del Carmen Aranda

I was born in San Antonio on September 9, 1940 to Salvador and Minerva M. Aranda. My siblings were Daniel Williams, Salvador Aranda, Jr., and Lupita Aranda. They blessed me with ten nieces and six nephews, as well as other relatives in Mexico, California, and Pennsylvania.

I was raised by Carmen and Aleja Aldana, the best godmothers in the world, because my parents divorced shortly after my birth. I attended St. Teresa's Academy and continued my studies at San Antonio College and then at Our Lady of the Lake University. I received the Outstanding Student of Spanish Award of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Art in Spanish and English.

My teaching career spanned nearly three decades, from 1972-2000, all at Memorial High School with the Edgewood Independent School District. I was the sponsor of the National Spanish Honor Society for 25 years and served as chairperson of the Foreign Language Department from 1996-2000. I was a member of ECTA, TSTA, TRTA, and SAARTA. I taught at Sophia Women's Learning Center at Providence High School and ESL in the adult basic education program of the EISD after my retirement.

As a retiree, I enjoyed doing what I loved: going places near and far, surfing the internet, reading, and concerts. Most of all, I loved caring for my three cats, J.R., Rocky and Miss Kitty; four dogs, Gussie, Frankie, B.J. and Woody I had time to devote to some very special people, my friends of many years.

Thanks, Rosie Bennett, for being my best friend and cousin!

God has been with me each step I have taken during my lifetime. He blessed me with a great life, a family, extra special friends, and precious pets! I have accomplished my mission in life!

Please remember me in your prayers and celebrate my life!

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and her great niece, Angela.

FUNERAL SERVICE

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2017

9:00 AM

HOLY CROSS CEMETERY

17501 NACOGDOCHES ROAD

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Lake University and/or the San Antonio Humane Society.