Carmen Mary Cervantes Makela
Carmen Cervantes Makela
Dearest mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, Carmen Mary Cervantes Makela left the temporal world to join her ancestors on Wednesday March 14th 2012.
A longtime resident of Schooley’s Mountain, NJ and more recently Kirkland, WA, Carmen dedicated her career to serving our nation’s veterans as a psychiatric nurse and counselor at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lyons, NJ, and at VA hospitals in New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. She was an avid gardener, known for her green thumb and passion for flowers and inspired landscapes. She was a poet and an exceptional fine artist, particularly in sculpture, illustration, oil and watercolor painting, and has graced this Earth with many examples of her creative arts. An aficionada of the performing arts, Carmen was a devoted patron of Broadway and a fan of plays, movies, dance, and music, an appreciation that she instilled in her children and family. She was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church on Schooley’s Mountain and was an alumna of the nursing program at the College of St. Catherine in Minneapolis, MN. Above all, Carmen will be remembered for her dedication to friends and family. She was a humanitarian who put people first, always making herself available for a friend in need, lending an understanding ear to young people, or providing care for the sick. She sang. She danced. She created and inspired beauty in the world. Most of all she loved with all of her heart and with her actions. She was the master of the ‘sana sana’ providing a healing hand, love, and comfort to those around her.
Carmen is survived by her children, Rochelle Ann Makela-Goodman, Courtney Atwater Makela, Jr., and Stephanie Jean Hurst, grandchildren Rachel Walsh, Daniel Goodman, Courtney Atwater Makela, III, Alexandra Makela, Emma Makela, Bella Makela, Aidan Hurst, and Maya Hurst, great-grandchild Edward Joseph Walsh, V, siblings Michael Richard Cervantes, Rosemarie Cervantes, Benjamin Cervantes, and Mary Herron.
15 Responses to “Carmen Mary Cervantes Makela”
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Such a wondrous life.
We are so sad to hear about your moms passing. My mother is especially upset. They had a wonderful friendship. Stepanie-my mom said you had called but her memory is going so I couldn’t get much information from her. I found this website when I was trying to locate one of your phone numbers to express our sincere condolences and find out about funeral arrangements.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. She was a wonderful, wonderful women and we will always have fond memories of her. I’m sure she is with the angels in heaven.
Kindest Regards,
Glori Kloda and family
We are so sad to hear about your moms passing. My mother is especially upset. They had a wonderful friendship. I found this website when I was trying to locate your phone numbers to express our sincere condolences and find out about funeral arrangements.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. She was a wonderful, wonderful women and we will always have fond memories of her. I’m sure she is with the angels in heaven.
Kindest Regards,
Glori Kloda and family
We could not find a phone number or information of how to reach the family. Your mom was truly an inspiration to others, so interesting to talk too, and one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting.
My mom is very upset and had just received a wonderful heart felt letter from Carmen just the week before she passed. Please accept our sincere condolences to your family. Certainly, Carmen is full of joy and with our Lord in heaven.
Kind regards,
Pamela Hall & Hall Family
There is no words to express our great loss. Carmen was an amazing woman. There is no way to make any of us, feel better at such a sad time, but by the same token, there is no way to take away what Carmen has left in our hearts- For me it was 33 years of laughter, love and light. For Bruce it was 10 years and for my children that she held just hours from birth, it was their entire lives. She will continue to live daily in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
Shari, Bruce, David and Alex Pople
We are sad to hear that Carmen passed on, she is now in a peaceful and pain free place. Her family knows that she is with God and smiling at us all.
As I think of her I have a lot of fun and fond memories of times spent with her.
Carmen was one amazing lady and touched so many lives in a good loving way. She will not be forgotten.
I was blessed to have known her form the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s and will not forget her but think happy thoughs of our times together.
Love to all
Norma (Garzanelli) & Tony Rodriguez
We are sad to hear that Carmen has passed on. She is now at peace and rest with GOD.
She was such a great lady and will be rembered by all who knew her.
Her family and friends will have such great memories of the joy and fun she brought to everyone that met her.
I have known Carmen since the 1960’s, lost touch with her the last several years, but never forgotten her or the great times we had.
She will be rememvered very fondlly.
Love to all.
Norma (Garzanelli) & Tony Rodriguez
Norb and I mourn the loss of our dear friend Carmen. Our children grew up at the same time,and we shared so much together.Her time on earth was productive, happy, creative and we,her friends, were blesed to know her.
But knowing the pain she has valiantly endured, I cannot wish her back. She is with Our God. Our friendship continues. It is changed…not ended.Let memories grow in this time of grief.Love,Peggy&Norb
Carmen……. she chose to get involved in the lives of others – to love, to listen, to encourage, to weep, to rejoice, and to serve. We remember these good qualities as we reflect on her life. She will be missed.
Blessings & prayers,
Boyd and Linda Hurst
Carmen touched our lives like no other. She embraced you with a smile, loved you with passion and never stopped challenging you to look deep within your soul and find what really matters. Over one week has passed since she went on and I still hear her voice.
Our love and prayers to all who hold her close.
Todd, Robin, Hammy, Bailey and Casey Miller
Carmen’s gentle voice and kind hands soothed me to sleep when I so needed help from someone; she was there for me as she has been there for so many others. The Makela family line has been graced by her addition and her three wonderful children and their families. Comfort one another as she would comfort you. I hold you all in my heart…….Love,
Auntie Suzie
My dear sweet cousin Carmen. You touched my life and heart in a way that no one has. You included me, shared with me, laughed with me, listened and talked with me, and loved me without question. Your heart is so big and beautiful with room for everyone. I miss you Carmen, but I know that I will see you again…thank you for Stephanie, Courtney, Shelly, and all your family. I have memories of all the fun and loving times with you and them all that I will cherish always. God hold you in the palm of his hand. Kristy oxox
It would be impossible to overstate the positive impact Nana had on so many lives, i personally wouldn’t want to imagine my teens without her guidance, love, care & of course, food. Though not my blood relation, i considered her family & the world is a smaller place without her. All my love to the Goodmans & every soul touched by the loss of this wonderful woman.
Carmen was a person who would warm up a room when she entered. I always will remember her for her huge loving smile when she greeted you. She was a special women who touched many with her love!
R.I.P Carmen
I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I know she is in a better place among the angels only because she is pain free. I know we all will miss her dearly. I am so grateful to have known her. She was such a special person to me. She had such a big heart and was always there in good times and in bad. You are such a special family. I know you will be there for each other and will be telling lots of stories to remember her now & in the future.
Susan Ray