Maria Del Carmen Ortiz

Maria del Carmen Ortiz

(1947-2025)

Maria Carmen was born September 22nd, 1947 in Durango, Mexico. She was the First born daughter to Irene Macias and second oldest of 11 siblings: she is survived by her siblings Ana, Velia and David. She spent her childhood in her beloved ejido of 6 de Octubre, Durango and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua and moved to El Paso, Texas in 1968 (at age 21) where she lived for the remainder of her life. Carmen proudly and dutifully worked for the El Paso Independent School District as a custodian for over 20 years to support her 5 children: Jose, Arturo, Angel, Yolanda and Danny. Carmen attended El Paso Community College and the Pipo Hair Academy and was a lifelong hair barber/hairstylist. Carmen loved to barber for her sons, brothers and grandkids.

Maria del Carmen loved spending time with her sisters and nieces and nephews. Walking and shopping the streets of downtown El Paso, as her mother (Irene) and grandmother (Reyes) had before her. Carmen loved music and rejoiced in dancing. Music was happiness to her. She loved getting her nails, pedicures and getting her hair done. She loved family, and her beloved home in Central El Paso, which is filled with ornate furniture and family photos. She loved dolls, satin sheets, novelas and Dr. Pepper and Chinese food, which she requested as often as she could.

She was a devout and lifelong Jehovah’s Witness. She lived her life to honor Jehovah. She prayed every night of her life for each of her family members. She often opened her humble home to others in need of help. She was loving and forgiving.

Maria Carmen passed away on the morning of October 13th. Her final days were surrounded by her sisters, brother, children, sobrinos, nietos, and members of her Kingdom Hall congregation. She was a querida abuela, madre, tia and hermana. Carmen was the root of the family tree. She will be dearly and profoundly missed.