Carmen Ramirez Espana

She was daughter to John and Modesta Rivas, born November 18, 1927, in Houston, Texas and was one of nine children. She attended Jefferson Davis High School before going to work at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company; she worked there for 28 years.

Carmen was a devoted mother to seven children, Paul, Michael, Debra, Joseph, Sandra, Linda, and Elisa. She is proceeded in death by her second oldest son, Michael Anthony Barrera, and is survived by her remaining six children and their spouses: Paul Henry Barrera, Debra Ann Barrera, Joseph Ray Barrera, Sandra Cay Barrera, Linda Jean (Paul) Samaniego, and Elisa Kelly (Louis) Gonzales.

She leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren: son Paul (daughters Serena & Leslie (2)), son Michael (son Louis (4), & daughter Priscilla (1)), daughter Debra (sons Robert (5) & Patrick (5), daughters Liana & Jena), son Joseph (sons Joseph (4), Salistino "Tino" (4), and Paul, & daughter Anna (2)), daughter Linda (son John (4) & daughter Jessica (2)), and daughter Elisa (sons Nickolas (7), Edward & daughter Marie (6)).

All services will be held May 24, 2024, at Forest Park Lawndale from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Carmen, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother loved cooking tamales, enchiladas, mole, and menudo for her family. On her spare time, she liked sewing, making crafts, and listening to music.

When we had family events, she was always ready to get up and dance. She loved being around her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed and will always be in our hearts.