Carmelita Gomez Candelaria

Carmelita Gomez Candelaria, 100, entered eternal rest on March 7, 2021 in Alamogordo, NM. She joins those who preceded her in death: her husband Benito; parents Felipe Gomez and Beatriz Sedillo; brothers Hilario (Maria), Florencio (Juaquinita), Castulo, Daniel (Juanita), Frank (Grace), Sosteno (Winnie), Vicente (Matilde), Roberto (Dolores) and Alberto (Dora); sisters Dominia (Pablo Montoya), Estella (Manuel Romero), Inez (Fermin Pacheco), Lucia (Fernando Pacheco); and son Jose. 

She is survived by her son Gilbert and wife Hilda of Tijeras, NM; son James and wife Janet of Las Cruces, NM; son Anthony and wife Sue of Tucson, Ariz.; daughter Sylvia Candelaria of Alamogordo, NM; grandchildren Karla Candelaria, Lisa Candelaria, Stephanie Candelaria, Rose Alina Holguin, Aaron Candelaria, Jessica Streeter and Jenna Guzman; and great-grandchildren Sarah, William and Colin McDuffie; Angel Holguin; Lydia, Natalie and Clara Streeter; and Ava Guzman. She was a beloved aunt to over 80 nieces and nephews.

Carmelita was born in San Patricio, NM on July 1, 1920 to Felipe Gomez and Beatriz Sedillo. Life took her through many historical and personal moments, including the Great Depression, World War II, marriage, teaching, and motherhood. She met each season of her life with grace, kindness and love. She attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM to study teaching and was in the Choir. Carmelita also attended Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM.
  
On December 13, 1944, she married Benito Candelaria in Carrizozo, NM and remained married until Benito's death in April 2013. She maintained a focus on education her entire life, attending college as a young Hispanic woman and supporting college educations for all of her children. Carmelita taught in Arabela, Encinoso and San Patricio, NM. Carmelita also mentored youth with the Cub Scouts and was a 4-H leader. She taught Catechism and was a Guadalupana who faithfully prayed every day. 
 
Carmelita had a wonderful artistic side. She attended Community College in Arizona where she learned to paint and continued to paint during her retirement. She sewed, quilted, and won awards for her cooking at the County Fair. 

Carmelita loved her family and was greatly loved by her family. She was a faithful Catholic and will be remembered kindly by the many that were touched by her 100 years on Earth.

A graveside service for Carmelita Candelaria will be held at 12:30 pm, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. Due to the Covid Pandemic, attendance at the graveside is limited to 10 people. Please practice social distancing at all times. Thank you for adhering to the Department of Health mandate. 

The Candelaria family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the arrangements. 

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