Carmen I. Gross, (87)our beloved Mother, Angel, and light of our lives, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 28, 2010, cradled in God's Divine Mercy. Surrounded by fervent prayer, her daughters, and those she loved, her faith and courage allowed her to pass from this life the way she lived; with quiet strength, grace and serenity. Carmen was preceded in passing by her husband, love of her life, and eternal soul mate, Marvin; daughter Roberta Gross Burks; sisters Margaret Salazar and Maria Young; and parents, Juan and Aurelia Gutierrez. She is survived by her daughters Patricia R. Gross and Dolores A. Gross, grandchildren Becky Burks Zavodny (Jerry), Paul Burks (Cathy) and her cherished great-grandchildren Haylie Carmen and Allie Zavodny, Allan, Amy, Aaron, and Alexander Marvin Burks, brother Eliseo (Cecil) Gutierrez (Margaret), sister Rebecca Batt, and many cherished nieces and nephews.Words cannot express our gratitude to Mommy's exceptional and compassionate physicians- Dr. John Tune and Dr. Abraham Gonzalez. Also special thanks to Dr. Sandra Rocha, Dr. Robert Jacobs, Dr. Byron Chesbro, Dr. Emilio Gonzalez-Ayala, and Dr. Erasmo Cortez, who through their gifts as healers gave Carmen more years to enjoy the family and friends she treasured. Special thanks go to the beautiful caregivers who loved her and provided daily care, Lilia, Angeles, Beatriz, Griselda and Clara. To Our Lady of the Valley Church, priests, and Irene and Jack Martin for their devoted ministry and companionship. And to the staff of Quantum Home Health Care, especially Carolina Sarmineto, Carmen Martinez, Efrain De Lara, and Steve Beltran. Above all, Carmen loved our Lord, lived her faith, modeled it for others, and blessed us by her presence. She was our daily joy and spark to our lives. Carmen loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren passionately. She so enjoyed music, dancing, the outdoors, working with her plants, a good walk with her dog Riley, taught us to appreciate nature, a beautiful sunset, the moon and stars, and relished a great road trip. Carmen was devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Mother. You lived it all so well, Sweetie. We are so proud of you! We will miss your smiles, your spunk, your wit. You filled our lives with your lovely songs. Keep showing us the way. We love you forever and ever. You were the Best of Company. In the words of the Devine Mercy, "Jesus we trust in you."Pall bearers are Paul Burks, Jerry Zavodny,Ernie Gutierrez, Charlie Vasquez, Sr., Richard Ahumada, John Hogan, and Honorary Pall bearer Frank Garcia. Visitation at Crestview Funeral Home at 1462 N. Zaragoza on Monday, February 1, 2010, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. with recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass celebrating Carmen's life at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 8600 Winchester at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. Interment in Mount Carmel Cemetery. Directed by CRESTVIEW FUNERAL HOME. 1462 N. Zaragoza

Published in El Paso Times from January 31 to February 2, 2010