Carmen M. McDowell (74), surrounded by her family, passed away peacefully on Friday January 31st, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. She was born Carmen Carbajal on March 28th 1945 in Grand Junction to Pilar “Pete” and Juanita “Jenny” Carbajal. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Larry McDowell and her four children: Claud McDowell, Donna Scherer (Jim), Alexandra Ale’ Kerekes (Brian) and Larry “Mac” McDowell (Katie) and 13 grandchildren.
While running a household and raising four children, Carmen also took pleasure in her and Larry’s work in the church, crocheting blankets for friends and family, playing the piano and enjoying the arts. She was especially proud of her “do it herself” work around the house and cabin. From staining decks, fixing doors, to drywall install/repair, she could do it all and took great satisfaction from a job well done.
Family was the center-point of Carmen’s ethos and her dedication to her children were only matched by the love and devotion for her grandchildren (John, Kiarra, Joe, Pete, Katie, Kathleen, Morgan, Larry, Rylee, Jacksy, McKenna, Peyton, Quinn). They would have a “Grand’s week” gathering every year and her and Larry would travel up and down I-25 to see graduations, concerts, recitals, choir concerts, games, etc.. No function was too small for Carmen to miss watching her grandchildren shine.
Carmen loved going to the family cabin during the summer and particularly enjoyed the yearly Memorial/Labor Day gatherings with friends and family. Carmen also enjoyed her weekly visits to Cripple Creek with Larry. There, they would have a nice dinner, she would play video poker and her “Monkeys.” During those trips, Carmen would take time to get to know the employees of the casino and forged many long-lasting friendships; some that spans over decades. Her Cripple Creek family had a very special place in Carmen’s heart.
In lieu of flowers, Carmen’s family asks that you donate to one of the three causes below that were dear to her heart. Services will be held at Dove-Witt Family Mortuary Saturday, February 15th at 11:00 a.m. A reception will immediately follow the service with food and drink provided.
