Carmen Zamora Ortiz

Carmen was born on August 17, 1934 to Herminio Zamora and Trinidad Valdez in Gomez Farias, Michoacán, Mexico, where she met and married Francisco Ortiz Gomez. Francisco came to the U.S. in the 1950s to chase the “American Dream” and to provide a better life for his family. After many years and 5 daughters later, he gained legal status for his family in 1968 and they moved with him to Oregon.

The couple established a good life in Oregon and Washington. Carmen primarily worked at home caring for her daughters while Francisco worked in railroad and construction. Their 6th daughter was born in Oregon before moving the family to California in 1977; eventually moving back “home” to Gomez Farias. They farmed the land until Francisco passed away in 1983 and Carmen moved back to California to be with her daughters.

Despite the odds, Carmen continued to encourage her daughters to chase the American Dream and succeeded. Francisco’s work ethic and value in education along with Carmen’s strength and determination, has instilled in their daughters and family the type of resilience, hope, and resolve required in order to succeed. They wanted their daughters to be educated, independent, and have a better life.

She loved singing, playing games, and cooking for her family. Her witty personality and sense of humor always kept us entertained and laughing, especially on April’s Fools Day. She would call and often fooled us with her creative stories. She was known for calling family members the day before their birthday and singing “Happy Birthday tomorrow,” then calling early in the morning the day of to sing Happy Birthday again!

She loved sports and could go on and on talking about her favorite teams. She would call to remind us to watch the game. At a live 49er game, she informed one of her daughters that the yard line was only visible on the TV and then couldn't stop laughing about the silly question.

She always cooked too much!! She wanted to make sure she had leftovers for her family to take home and enjoyed giving some to her neighbors.

She is survived by her sister Esther Zamora Valdez, 6 daughters, 14 grand-children, 5 great-grand-children, and 1 great-great-grand child. Daughters: Maria (Antonio), Esperanza (Erasmo), Angie (Bob), Rosie, Carmen, Frances (Andreas); grand-children: Sylvia, Vicky, Angie, Crystal, Frankie, Aisha, Viki, Fernando, Carina, Jessica, Chris, Atheer, Amani, Alia; great-grand-children: Jasmine, Martin, Luisito, Alissa, Andrew; and great-great grandson Felix.

She was the heart of the family, and leaves a legacy of a united, close-knit family.

In her last days, Carmen was surrounded by the love of her family. Her daughters and their families will continue to endure with hope, love, care and devotion.