Carol Ann Polaco

              Our dear Carol Ann “Arrighi” Polaco, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at her home in Albuquerque, NM. Her passing leaves a deep void in the lives of her husband, Lorenzo; her son, Kenny; many friends and relatives. She was a loving person who saw good in people, and she was fond of inviting folks into her warm home.

            Carol was born on Dec 14, 1938, in Santa Fe, NM to Corinne Isabel Arrighi and Abad Eloy Lucero. Carol grew up in a neighborhood close to the New Mexico State Capitol. One could often see her on roller skates or riding her bike around capitol buildings. She might even be playing on the lawn of the governor’s mansion with her life long best friend, Carol Eagan, Governor Mabry’s granddaughter.

            Carol graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1956. After graduation, she moved to Albuquerque and worked for several years as a secretary at the New Mexico Employment Security Commission. In 1963, Carol moved to Denver, Co, and continued her career.

            As it was possible to take the girl out of New Mexico, It was impossible to take New Mexico out of the girl. She shortly returned and spent her beautiful life in Albuquerque.

            Carol’s son, Kenny, was born in 1966. At this point of her life, she became a stay-at-home mom and wife, totally dedicated to her home and her special needs son. Carol and her husband Larry provided a loving and nurturing environment as they raised Kenny together. Carol became active in Eastern Stars; her Church, and being a Special Olympics mom.

            Carol loved music. She would often be heard singing along to her favorite tunes on the radio while she worked and as she traveled. Yes, she surely loved to travel, and was fortunate enough to visit many beautiful and wonderful places. Carol loved bowling, camping, and beating everyone at Scrabble!

            Carol was involved in organizing class reunions and enjoyed getting together with old friends. She was excellent at planning family get-togethers and parties. She was grateful for the many friends that made a difference in her life and for their happiness and laughter.

            Carol is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Lorenzo Polaco, and her “hijo” Kendal Glen Patton. She also leaves her stepchildren, Patricia Polaco (John Poore) of Albuquerque NM, Peter Polaco, and Patrick (Ann Marie) Polaco of Phoenix, AZ.

            Carol is preceded in death by her sister, Renamae Cappel, and survived by her sister, Sandra (Robert) Miner of Bernalillo. Grandchildren: Tiffany Love of Salt Lake City, UT, Nicole Love (Darius) of Rio Rancho, Laurita Polaco of Phoenix, AZ, Kyle Polaco, Lawrence Polaco, and Celina Polaco.

            Carol will be remembered by many nieces and nephews including Rick (Patrice) Miller of Albuquerque, NM; John (Marcia) of Tijeras, NM; Peggy Floyd (Rick) of Cypress, TX; Kelli (Tom) Bosman of Raleigh, NC; Kirt (Michi) of Atlanta, GA; Allen (Wendy) Miner of McKinney, TX; and Laura Miner of Maui, HI; Rick Polaco, Anthony (Kathy) Polaco.

            Carol leaves behind numerous great nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Special mention goes out to Sandy and Bill Arrighi, Joyce Cooper, Karen Garcia, and Art Barbosa.

            The family offers a special thank you to Pam Medina and Kathy Polaco for their excellent and devoted help and care they generously provided for Carol during her illness. Also, a huge thank you to Amber Care Hospice.

Dear Carol, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Thank you for the wonderful memories! “Adios, Goodbye”

         Church Services and celebration of life will be held at Saint Michael and All Angels Church at 601 Montano Rd NW, Albuquerque NM, on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 10:30 am.

            In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:

SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF NEW MEXICO.

Please send donations, in memory of Carol Polaco,

to 6600 Palomas Ave NE, #207, Albuquerque, NM 87109, or call (505) 856-0342

Or:

SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS MEMORIAL FUND

601 Montaño Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107.

For more information, please call (505) 345-8147.