Carmen Larrañaga

Our beloved Mom and Nana, Carmen Amelia Hijar Larrañaga, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 1, 2024. Carmen was born in Bisbee, AZ to Guillermo and Casimira (Lopez) Hijar, on November 25,1937. She spent most of her childhood in Duran, NM, growing up with her sisters and cousins and learning lessons of generosity and love from her parents and grandparents. She graduated from Encino, NM with her future husband of 57 years, Flavio Larrañaga.

Carmen had a kind and loving heart, a generous spirit and a deep faith that showed to everyone she knew. She always had time for those in need, whether it be a hot meal, a sympathetic ear, or shelter from a storm. She loved her friends and family deeply. She was the true matriarch of our family. Being the oldest sibling, she helped raise her sisters. She instilled the importance of traditions in her children and grandchildren, teaching them everything from making tamales, empanadas and tortillas, swinging a hammer, planting a garden, and most importantly, praying and serving God by serving others. Carmen was a true pioneer woman. She could whip up a meal on the wood stove with whatever she had on hand for anyone who walked in the door. She helped build the family home in Anton Chico, NM, board by board and kept it going while Flavio was away with work. She grew, canned and cooked their own vegetables and raised three amazing children. She was a member of the San Jose Catholic Church in Anton Chico and often offered her services.

She enjoyed puzzles, crocheting, sewing and crafts, flowers, fishing trips with the grandkids, and visits with family and friends. She loved spending time at her childhood home and visiting with her Duran family. With her sisters and children, she helped with the annual fiesta there almost every year. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she loved telling stories to them and about them.

Carmen is preceded in death by her parents, Guillermo and Casimira Hijar, her husband, Flavio Larrañaga, and her sisters, Inez Lucero, Mary Ellen Hijar, Arcelia Jaramillo, and Leonor Mendez.

Carmen is survived by her children, Angela Larrañaga-Romero and husband Mark Romero of Portales, NM, Anthony Larrañaga of Las Vegas, NM, and Rob “Robbie” Larrañaga and wife Leslie Larrañaga of Las Vegas, NM; grandchildren Adriana Romero (Armando Coca), Marcos Romero, Anthony “AJ” Larrañaga (Morgan Wald), Brandon Larrañaga, and Christian Larrañaga; multiple nieces and nephews, and an abundance of loving family and friends.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 8, 2024, beginning at 2PM at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Duran, NM with Rev. Timothy Meurer as celebrant.

Interment of cremains will follow at the Duran Cemetery with Adriana Romero, Marcos Romero, AJ Larrañaga, Brandon Larrañaga, Christian Larrañaga, and Kyra Hijar-Pizzaro serving as urn bearers.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.  575-472-3369.  To place an online condolence or tribute, kindly visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.