Aida Yolanda Carias

In the early evening of Friday, September 27, 2024, our beloved, Aida Yolanda Carias, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her loving family, after having intensely fought for five years against the insurmountable battle of cancer. Her tremendous battle during these additional years was a testament to her fierce determination and we were blessed to have had more quality time and memories with her.

The oldest of six siblings, Aida was born in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. Her deep love and support for her family brought her the most joy. With an effervescent smile, sense of humor, passionate spirit and fervent energy, she instantly lit up every room she was in. That light continues to shine brightly in everyone who knew and loved her. She was especially committed to ensuring that the next generation of siblings, children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, had every opportunity to excel in education, sports, hobbies and their individual pursuits of goals or happiness. Whether it was cheering them on from the sidelines of countless soccer, swim, and track and field events or during high school or college graduation ceremonies, she felt overwhelming pride and joy for all her family’s accomplishments. Her wisdom and tireless effort led to the success of many future generations, becoming a pillar to not only her family, but also to the extended community in her teaching career that spanned over 40 years.

Dedicating her dream of teaching children of all ages, she cultivated a passion for education that would last a lifetime. Graduating college in Guatemala with a teaching degree and inspired by opportunity and adventure, Aida immigrated to the United States and settled in Washington, D.C. in 1975. She married the love of her life, Luis Fernando, and over 50 years, raised four wonderful children. She continued her schooling, earned a second teaching degree, and devoted her entire life to education and volunteer work; impacting generations of children, many of whom would return to visit her to recount how her selfless support and encouragement made an impact and difference in their lives. She took pride in having mentored her students to great achievements and success.

Aida is predeceased by her father (Rutilio), sister (Mirna), grandmother (Alejandra), and many aunts, uncles, and in-laws. She is survived by her family: mother - Elena Carranza; husband - Luis Fernando (Sr.); children - Luis Fernando (Jr.), Jose Alberto, Manuel Alejandro, Maria Fernanda, Claudia Estefani, and Sebastian Eduardo; God son - John Guzman; grandchildren - Benjamin, Gabriella, Daniel, Dexter, Felix, and Margaux; siblings - Blanca, Marylu, Marisol, and Mario; and countless in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 12PM to 4PM. You may bring flowers or In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (https://secure.jhu.edu/form/Kimmel) or The Center for Inspired Teaching (https://inspiredteaching.org/donate/).