Carmen Lara Magee

Carmen Lara Magee was born in Fort Davis, Texas on February 19, 1925, the daughter of Eduardo and Maria Lara and sibling of 12. Carmen had an unwavering faith in God and with his blessings passed peacefully in her home in Albuquerque, NM. She entered Heaven’s gate on April 2, 2018.

A consummate mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Carmen was an excellent chef who prepared wondrous Mexican cuisine. She shared her delectable recipes in her own café, then when she taught a homemaking class and finally her very own special cookbook given to her children to carry on her recipes.

Carmen a woman of prodigious catholic faith raised ten children while being involved with the San Jose Catholic Church in Carlsbad, NM and assisted in numerous fund raising and church fairs. She was also a member of LULAC; often know as vice president of 16th of September events and parades. She met the actor James Coburn while being an extra in the movie the “The Honkers” filmed in Carlsbad. She had been an active member of the VFW Women’s League, the Boys Club and the Democrat Women’s Committee. With heart, faith and strength she was a pillar to her family and the community while giving this passion as a chef and event planner in many civic events.

Carmen was preceded in death by her husband, Christopher Magee in 2001 and her ex-husband Antonio “Charlie” Granger in 2001 in addition to her son, Alonzo Lara in 1961. She is survived by her sons, Richard Granger, Benny Granger, Tony Granger, Fred Granger, Steven Magee and her daughters, Sally Esquibel, Dorothy Hanttula, Lisa Granger-Sanchez and Patsy Granger. In addition, she was blessed with 21 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Her children lovingly provided Carmen assistance with her care in recent years; the family acknowledges the greatest gratitude to each and every one that assisted in keeping her in her home.

Carmen Magee became a member of St Bernadette’s Catholic Church of Albuquerque, NM in 1993.

A celebration of her life will take place Friday, April 6, 2018 beginning at 8:00 a.m. with a viewing. A rosary and eulogy will follow at 8:30 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11509 Indian School Rd NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m., also at The Shrine of St. Bernadette. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 11:00 am and a reception will take place in the reception hall of St. Bernadette's at 12:00 p.m.