Carmen Inocencia Avila

We gather here today to honor and celebrate the life of Carmen Inocencia Avila, a remarkable woman whose journey touched the hearts of many. Born on a farm in Cuba in September of 1929, Carmen's life began amidst the warmth of a loving family—her father Julian, her mother Felipia, and her eight siblings. As the second to youngest, Carmen learned early on the importance of family, love, and resilience.

In her 20s, she made the bold move to Havana, where she would become a department store model. It was in that vibrant city that she met Amado, the love of her life, and married him at 26. Together, they welcomed three wonderful children: Amado Jr., Maria Antonia, and Maria de Carmen. While Amado thrived in commerce, Carmen dedicated herself to nurturing their family and the extended family that would often gather around their table.

As the winds of change swept across Cuba with the arrival of communism, Carmen and her family legally immigrated to the United States, settling in Glendale, California. There, Carmen's creative spirit flourished. Starting as a seamstress for the Glendale Seventh Day Adventist Medical Center, she crafted uniforms for doctors and nurses, displaying the same dedication and care she showed her family.

In her early 40s, Carmen discovered a passion for designing wedding dresses and other attire. She poured her heart into her creations, blending her love for fashion with her nurturing spirit. As her children grew, she embraced the role of grandmother, becoming a foundational figure in the lives of her grandchildren, just as her own mother had been for her.

Carmen faced profound loss when she lost Amado at the age of 48. Yet, her strength and devotion to family only deepened. She found love again with Leopold Avila, and together they retired to Boise, Idaho. It was here that Carmen thrived, making dolls and baby clothes, and welcoming five more grandchildren into her ever-growing family.

Her journey continued when she moved to Austin, Texas, where she faced the unimaginable loss of her son and later, her second husband, Leo. But through it all, Carmen remained a beacon of love and faith. She found joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, crafting, crocheting, and sharing the wisdom of her heart.

Carmen’s faith was an anchor throughout her life, a source of strength and comfort. She taught us the power of prayer, a legacy that we will carry forward in her memory. She was a woman of grace, resilience, and unwavering love.

On the morning of October 13, 2024, Carmen moved into the hands of Jesus in a peaceful, loving moment. She leaves behind a family that adored her, a tapestry of beautiful memories, and a legacy that will continue to inspire us.

As we remember Carmen today, let us celebrate her life—the laughter, the lessons, the love. May we honor her by holding our own families close, cherishing every moment, and embracing the power of love and faith that she embodied so beautifully.

Thank you, Carmen, for all that you were and all that you gave us. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in our hearts forever.