Carmen Avalos

Carmen Lopez Avalos, more affectionately known as “Memo,” was born on June 25, 1939, in Houston, Texas, to Amelia Canales and Carmen Lopez. Growing up, Carmen’s grandfather worked for the Railroad, which created a life of travel and new surroundings. Carmen’s family moved to Uvalde, Texas, and as fate allowed, Uvalde is where she met her prince charming, Jose T “JT” Avalos, “Monko.” In the winter of 1956, JT returned home while on military leave. On a West-Texas Saturday night, our bold Carmen made the first move, inviting Airman JT Avalos to a local dance. Following a few cheek-to-cheek and bear-hug dances, to the Platters, “The Great Pretender,” the flame between our red-haired, green-eyed beauty and rugged G.I. grew. Having stayed out past Carmen’s curfew, and fearing the wrath of her mother, the lovebirds decided to elope. This young, wild, spirited act was just the first of many adventures of Carmen and JT’s amazing journey.

Carmen and JT married on February 7, 1956. Days following their marriage, they made their first of many moves and never looked back. Carmen was a proud military spouse and mother of three vibrant children; Cynthia, Joseph, and Thomas. At many times throughout JT’s 28-year Air Force career that spanned the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War, Carmen was alone, single parenting around the world while JT served his nation. Regardless of her circumstances and surroundings, Carmen excelled! She was fierce. She was beautiful. She was liked and loved by all. Memo’s kitchen was her identity. Her silly, compassionate personality and love expressed from her kitchen was the foundation from where Memo provided a life for her family that no one could imagine.

For the Avalos family, Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines was home. Carmen established herself as a matriarch and leader across the base. She was well known for her involvement in the NCO Spouses Club, bowling league, and Latinos Unidos club. Perhaps one of the Avalos family’s most memorable moments at Clark Air Force Base was “Operation Homecoming,” the return of our Vietnam POWs in 1973. In true form, Memo immersed herself in this celebration of freedom and showed her love and empathy the best way she knew how: by cooking a homemade Mexican meal for one of the longest-tenured POWs. As memorable as this moment is for our family, it is just one example of the selfless service Memo gave to her country, friends, and family.

Our grandparents created an amazing family; 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. The entire family shares a strong bond with one another and has a unique love for Memo. This was Memo’s gift. She could make anyone feel like they were the most important person in the world to her. Memo loved cooking, she loved shopping, she loved glamour, she loved her friends, but more than anything she loved her family and she never failed to tell us how much she loved us. With every visit, call, text, or message, she’d say, “I love you.” We will always hold her love close to our hearts. We love you, Memo; you will always be our guardian angel. Memo’s final spoken words were “I’m Still Here”. Yes Memo, you are still here, in our hearts forever.

On July 7, 2020, Memo lost her battle against COVID-19. As much pain as we feel, we are so thankful and grateful for the legacy and family our dear Memo created.

Memo is survived by the love of her life, our Monko, SMSgt Jose T Avalos (ret). Her daughter, Sindi, and her husband, Joe Rosales. Her son, Joe Avalos, and his wife, Eva. Her son, Thomas Avalos, and his wife, Tammy. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and nephews and nieces.

A modified memorial service and rosary will be held on Sunday, July 19, at the Schertz Funeral Home https://www.schertzfuneralhome.com/ .

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations at https://bit.ly/MemoMemorialDonation .