Carmen was born in San Antonio, Texas to Jose and Augustina Franco on April 14, 1929. She was the 13th of 14 children.
Carmen worked at a young age in the family owned bakery, La Pobalnita. She attended Navarro Grade School and then San Fernando junior high school. She then attended Lanier High School where she played the bugle in the school band. After graduation, she attended Durham Business College. Later, she worked at Toudouze furniture store in downtown San Antonio.
Carmen married the love of her life, Robert Mata on April 8, 1951. They had 5 beautiful children together. Carmen was a loving and devoted mother. She was a stay at home mom caring, educating and nurturing her children, trying to give them the best life possible. One of the greatest joys in her life was later becoming a grandmother, where she was able to show the same love and devotion to her 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
One of Carmen’s favorite hobbies was bowling. She bowled in the Women’s Kelly League for many years. She was very proud of her trophies, but she enjoyed the friendship most of all. She also played in Bunco leagues and enjoyed jazzercise classes.
Carmen lived a life filled with love and will be remembered by her legacy she left behind. Although she will be truly missed, we feel comfort and peace knowing that she is reunited with her husband and daughter, whom she missed very dearly.
Carmen was preceded in death by her parents: Jose and Augustina Franco; her loving husband of 66 years: Robert Mata; her daughter: Rose Marie Cox, and 12 brothers and sisters.
Carmen is survived by her children: Robert Mata, Roy Franco Mata (Elsa), Rachel Morales (Jesse) and Richard Mata; grandchildren: Richard Cox (Robyn), Krystle Poynor (Casey), Corey Morales (Cynthia), Zachary Mata, Nicholas Mata and Jarred Morales; Great-Grandchildren: Ryen and Allie Poynor and sister Esther Madonado and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Funeraria del Angel Roy Akers on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. On Friday, February 26, 2021 the Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Berchman Church at 10:00 a.m., with interment at a later date at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.
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