Carmen Gonzalez Cover

Carmen Cover passed away in Albuquerque on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at age 97. Carmen was born in Las Cruces to Pedro and Maximina Gonzalez. She was predeceased by her husband, Brooks; son, Ulis Kelly, and son David Kelly, and her sisters, Amelia and Dolores. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Kious (husband Michael); her two grandchildren, Ryan Kious, of Albuquerque, and Joshua Kelly of Bakersfield, California; and great grandchild Vanessa Ann, also of Bakersfield; and nieces Roxann Liccioni (husband Sean); and Carla Franco (husband Johnny); and her great nephew, Kristoff Van Dyke and his family. Carmen was a remarkable woman who could do just about everything she put her mind to. As a young girl she adored her father, who came from Mexico at a young age and became a master carpenter. She was happiest in his presence and learned to become self-sufficient through his example. She enjoyed social functions with her friends, but was happier on a roof repairing damaged shingles, even at the age of 84! Through a disciplined self-study, she became an LPN at age 49, and taught at Pima Medical Institute until age 80, and, ever the task master, she was loved by her students. When her mother became weakened after being widowed, Carmen and her sisters kept her at home and took care of her for the remainder of her life, with Carmen seeing to it that her sister, Amelia, had everything she needed financially and materially to ensure a comfortable life for their mother. Carmen was fiercely independent all through life, and so it was difficult for her to surrender herself to the care of others, which she finally did for the last ten years of her life, with her daughter, Patty, finally finding the right caregivers so Carmen could stay in her own home, just as Carmen’s sister had done with their mother. The family sincerely thanks Legacy Hospice, and their nurses Lindsey and Mary, for providing wonderful care for three years. Thanks, also, to Chaplain Mable Lopez. And a special thank you to two caregivers, Leticia Ramirez-Diaz, and Gloria Henao, whom Patty is certain were sent by God to provide 24-hour, seven day a week care to Carmen for eight years, with Gloria doing it alone for the past year. Their care for Carmen went above and beyond and will never be forgotten.

Arrangements have been provided by Daniels Family Funerals; a family gathering for a rosary will be held on Wednesday, April 7, with a graveside memorial the following day.