Carmen Orante Lucero

Our Mom, Carmen Orante Lucero, was born in Litchfield Park, Arizona in 1934. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ramon and Anita Orante. Her brothers and sisters, Eduardo Soto. Miguel Soto, Natalia Reyes, Ermalinda Gomez, Archie Orante, Ricardo Orante and Rosalia Verlade. Her grandson Nicholas Lucero and great granddaughter Ahriana Gonzalez and her husband Frank Lucero.

She is survived by her sisters, Ruth Perez and Artemiza Chavez. Her children Gary (Terry), Elizabeth (Bob) and Kenneth (Rachel) and seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Our Mom was the 5th child out of ten children of Anita Orante.

Our Mom was a teenager when her family finally moved to Mendota, California. She met the love of her life, Frank, at a movie cinema and got married in 1956. She started her family in 1957 that ended in 1961 with three children. Her and our Dad had a custom house built and in 1966 moved in. Our Dad would tell the story of the time that they were newly married and our mom would feed him rice all the time. Rice in almost in every meal. He said he wouldn't complain because he loved her so much, but there came a time when he had to tell her no more rice. Enough was enough. She became a very good cook.

She was a very loving, nurturing and caring Mom. I know that's a cliché, but it is very true with our Mom. She had a great deal of faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and greatly influenced her family in her faith. She was always there during our time of illness, injuries and when we were troubled with something, you could count on Mom to help. When we were being naughty or difficult and she was at her wits end. She would get our Dad involved and then we knew we were in big trouble. Our Mom greatly enjoyed her family. She would come to all of our school events, awards night, and sport games. She would always be there to support us and encourage us.

Shortly thereafter, she quit her job at the packing house to take better care of her family. In 1974, our Dad bought the first of two ranches. Our Mom had to leave the house they built and start over again with another house and in another place. It was very hard for her because she loved her first house so much, but she came to love her new home and began to love her new life on the farm. Our Mom loved the country lifestyle and helped our Dad in whatever he needed help in on the farm. She enjoyed seeing the water go by in the canal behind her house. She would take walks around the ranch quite frequently. She would pick the fresh grapes from from the vine and her fresh vegetables from the garden. She loved planting flowers and trees around the house. She would share some of her flowers plants with other people and would receive plants and flowers from them as well.

Our Mom and dad had a blessed life. They both enjoyed a lot of the same things. They would enjoy dancing, camping and fishing. As well as going to the coast to Morro Bay or Pismo or going to Las Vegas, Reno or Laughlin or simply just working on the farm. She really enjoyed having her grandchildren and great grandchildren over her house for visitations and birthday parties. We are so grateful for all the times she babysat them while we had appointments or were too busy to take care of them ourselves.

On the holidays, our Mom would enjoy taking rides on the trailer around the neighbors fields. We will greatly miss having our Mom with us. After the passing of our Dad, our Mom, by her presence, strength and courage, helped us to overcome the loss we had in our hearts. Now we will have sorrow in our hearts again, going through this difficult loss. But we know it will be ok, because she will be reunited with her true love again. we all love you Mom. Thanks for all you have done for each and everyone of us. May our Lord have mercy on you and allow you into his Kingdom. Don't call me, I'll call you. I'll see you when I see you. BAA

Visitation for Carmen will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023 starting at 5:00 pm, and followed by a rosary will at 7:00 pm, at the Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L Street, Fresno, CA 93721.

Mass of Christian Burial will occur Friday, December 15, 2023 at 9:00 am at St. Helens Catholic Church, 4810 E. Belmont Ave., Fresno, CA 93727. Interment at Fresno Memorial Gardens.