Our Ministries
18 Feb

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Carmen C. Paez

November 17, 1919-January 22, 2021

Carmen C. Paez, age 101, passed away on January 22, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Carmen was born on November 17, 1919 in Rosita, Coahuila. Carmen was predeceased by her parents (Ambrosio and Ines Cortez), husband (Valentine Paez), and siblings (Juan Cortez, Ernest Cortez, Maria Rodriguez, and Angie Manuel).

Six months after her birth, her family moved to Eagle Pass.

During hard times a compassionate teenage Carmen would assist her father, a manual laborer, by picking crops such as cotton and spinach. She also enjoyed music and dancing and would go to the dances chaperoned by her mother.

While seeking other employment opportunities in her young adulthood, Carmen made the decision to move to San Antonio. Carmen resided in an apartment with a few siblings, during which time she began working at local retail store.

Not too long after beginning her new job, Carmen became ill, that resulted in a hospitalization. During her stay, staff responded well to her upbeat attitude and drive that provided her an opportunity to pursue a career in cosmetology.

After months of hard work, Carmen was elated to receive her cosmetologist certification in 1951, which aligned with her love of lifting others up in order to feel and look their best.

While working in the downtown area, she met Valentine B. Paez and they wed in 1951.

When their only child was born, Carmen dedicated her life to support Sylvia’s endeavors in extracurricular activities at school and pursuing her future passion to become a nurse. She took on various jobs, such as selling cosmetics and jewelry to save money for Sylvia’s college education. After her only granddaughter was born, who was so precious to her; she continued providing unwavering support and adoration as Amanda grew and pursued her own career in helping others.

Across her lifetime, Carmen remained a woman of strong faith who prayed daily. Carmen filled her home with warmth and kindness as a passionate caregiver for the children of her family. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her loved ones, especially during the holidays. She continued her love of music, working on word search puzzles, and enjoyed various books.
She is survived by her brother (Henry Cortez), daughter (Sylvia Cavazos), granddaughter (Amanda Ramirez), great granddog (Donnelly) and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pallbearers: Andy Getz, Andrew Rodriguez, Lindsay Eulenfeld, Louis H. Zavala, Nathan Miault, and Raul Cristantez.

A Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at a later date.

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