Carmen Aragon

Carmen C. Aragon, a woman of astounding faith, was granted her angel wings on the morning of March 15th, 2024 at the age of 86. She took her final breath peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Carmen, fondly known as “Carla,” was born on May 19th, 1937 in Abo, New Mexico to her loving parents, Bernardo and Apolonia Chavez. She was raised in New Mexico, and there she met her first love, Pedro Perea. They married in 1955 and had four children: Loretta, Pete, Steven, and Abraham. They were married for 13 years until Pedro met an untimely death. Although their time together was short, they had a happy marriage, attending church together each Sunday and spending treasured family time. Carla went on to live a full and beautiful life, carrying his memories with her.

She later married her second love, Bert Aragon, in 1974 and moved to California. They were married for 12 years, until Bert’s death separated them. They, too, had a fulfilling and loving marriage that she carried in her heart after his death. She returned to New Mexico, residing in

Las Cruces, where she lived a life of faith and service. She dedicated herself to caregiving for the elderly for 30 years, and each person she helped adored her kind spirit and good nature.

Carla had an exceptionally great impact on her family. She had a close bond of love and companionship with her daughter, Loretta, whom she lived near and spent time with. She loved her sons unconditionally, spoke highly of them, and was proud of the accomplished men they became. Carla had a special relationship with each of her siblings, staying in contact no matter how far apart they were geographically. She showed her grandchildren love by making their favorite foods, giving tight embraces, and letting them bang on the organ keys as much as they wanted to. She found great joy in cooking for her family–just one of the many ways she showed her love to those around her. The sound of her laughter could light up a room–a sound that will never be forgotten. She meticulously cared for her plants and flowers, made the best flour tortillas on the planet, and didn’t miss a Dallas Cowboys game. She had worldly knowledge as an avid reader and watcher of the nightly news, and could spark a conversation about any topic. She was kind, generous, loving, and witty, down to her final moments. But the greatest impact of all was her unwavering faith in the Lord. She truly led by example.

Loved ones who have preceded her in death include: Pedro Perea, Bert Aragon, Steven J. Perea, Abraham Perea, Bernardo & Apolonia Chavez; and her sisters, Anne, Kate, and Rose.

Carla's memory and spirit will endure through her daughter and son-in-law, Loretta and Edward Covarrubia; her son and daughter-in-law, Pete and Doreen Perea; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Perea; her sisters, Flujencia, Flora, Elizabeth, Angelina, and Mary; her brother, Arturo; her 10 grandchildren: Eric, Bryan, Paul, Jolene, Pete, Elena, Christina, Steven, Louie, and Michael; and all her great-grandchildren.

Carla’s celebration of life will be held at St. Genevieve Catholic Church on April 3rd, 2024. There will be a Rosary at 10:00 AM and a mass to follow at 10:30 AM. Burial services are to follow mass.

Pallbearers: Pete Perea, Pete D. Perea, Edward Covarrubia, Gilbert Apodaca Jr., Eric Covarrubia and Bryan Covarrubia.

Honorary Pallbearers: Christian Covarrubia, Steven M. Perea, Kory Caloway, Kelly Caloway, Greg Lopez, Noah Maples and Kingston Maples.

Carla’s family would like to express gratitude to Enhabit Hospice’s nurse Erica and CNA Norma, who showed Carla compassion, love, attentiveness, and exceptional care in her final days.