Carmen Franco

Our beloved, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Carmen Franco, born in Albuquerque, NM July 18th, 1931, departed this life on Sunday, August 20th, 2023, at the age of 92.

A Rosary will be held Thursday, September 14th, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Wyoming. A Mass will be held on Friday, September 15th at 10:00 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, 2621 Vermont St. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87110.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elias and Carmelita Gonzales; brothers and sister Tony, Albert, Frank, Robert, Ruben, and Emma; her beloved daughter-in-law, Linda Franco; and her husband, Dr. Paul Franco. Carmen is survived by her children Cecilia Adams (Robert), David Franco (Jocelyn), Marianna Franco (Rick); grandchildren Christopher Adams (Pam), Dr. Jessyca Franco-Chavez (Duane), Matthew Adams (Dr. Billie), Cameron Franco, Joshua Franco, Amanda Green, Lyndsey Green, and Ian Green; She had two great-grandchildren, Elliott, and Hudson Adams.

Paul and Carmen met at a community dance upon his return from WWII. He courted her all the way to the Coronado cafe where she worked at the time and where she started to cultivate her exquisite culinary skills. Carmen opened her own "hole in the wall" tamale and taco shop on South Broadway soon after. They married August 11th, 1951, at Sacred Heart Church in Albuquerque and were married for 69 years before Paul's passing.

Carmen earned her first degree, a PHT, "Pushed Husband Through" from The University of Kansas City School of Dentistry where Paul obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. During that time, she worked two jobs to support her family. The family recalls what a sacrifice she made during that time, especially navigating the icy winters with her small children. In 1963, they moved their family back to Albuquerque. Later, Carmen acquired a double Master's Degree in Special Education and Social Work from the University of New Mexico in the early 80's.

She worked in the Albuquerque and Las Cruces Public School Districts for over 30 years, following some of her family down South and helping to raise some of her grandchildren on her beautiful pecan orchard was a joy. Carmen was an extraordinarily dedicated Counselor for the schools, implementing various teaching programs to help her beloved school children, who she lovingly referred to as "her kids". Countless stories of her aiding in CYFD services and helping kids in need are part of her legacy. Relocating to Albuquerque seven years ago, following her Las Cruces family back North, she never gave up her love of cooking, family time, donating to her Carmelites, and hosting her annual Virgin de Guadalupe vigil during the Christmas season. Carmen never missed an opportunity to set up her altar in homage to the Virgin Mary, wherever she was.

Carmen enjoyed socializing with her "comadres" and tending to her rose garden. She was a beautiful and honorable woman, always exemplary of a perfect mother and grandmother. Devoted and old-school to the core, her dedication to the Catholic Church remained steadfast until her last days. Strong of mind, body, and spirit, she left everlasting imprints on the hearts and minds of her family; That faith, prayer, and a little stubbornness can get you far in life and may even be your saving grace. A piece of her best advice, came in the words she would tell her family often, "Your education is the most important gift you can give yourself". In her older years, she had more sassy and profound sayings that would keep everyone laughing, still finding humor in the reality of life. We'll leave you with departing words from her, for those of you with your hats on (inside), she'd sternly point to you and say "..., Take that hat off!".

The memory of our beloved Carmen would not be complete without addressing and giving thanks to those that contributed to her care over the years. We are forever grateful to her loving caregivers: Evelyn Lee "Abby", Aileen Manese, Sharyn Nussbaum, Jliegh Hicks, Presbyterian Hospice, Home Instead, and all our family and friends that cared so deeply for her. A special thank you to those near and far for sharing in her memory, sending flowers and gifts, and being with us during our loss. May God bless you all.