Irma Carolina “Carol” Ortega, 77, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso, TX.
Irma Carolina was born in 1944 as the fourth child to Susanna and Marcello Martinez in East Los Angeles, CA where she grew up. In 1959 on Whittier Blvd, she met her lifelong love, Peter Ortega. Their love story lasted for 61 years after they were married in 1960. Pete and Carol would go on to have three children in California and relocated to Silver City in 1971, where they added another child and she would live out the rest of her life with her husband and four children.
To all that knew her, she was known as Carol. She cooked at numerous local restaurants throughout the years and finished out her career as a Caregiver.
She was always known as the life of the party and always ready for a good time no matter the time of day or night. She loved taking a gamble in a good card game, her favorite being 10-2-4. Carol loved to cheer on her favorite teams the 49ers and the Dodgers and was always excited to watch Oscar De La Hoya take the ring. Carol always made sure that her door was open to any family or friend in need. She loved her family and always showed that love by giving out nicknames that usually stuck with you for life. She also had a love for God and would attend services whenever she was physically able to do so. Carol’s humor and lively personality will be truly missed by all that knew her and no party will ever be the same without her.
She is survived by her loving husband of 61 yrs, Pete Ortega of the family home; three sons, Tomas Ortega of Silver City; Robbie Ortega and companion Bella Dao of Whittier, CA; Snuffy Ortega and wife Tiffany of Silver City; one daughter, Linda Penrod of Silver City; ten grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Martinez and wife Patsy of San Jose, CA; Robert Martinez of Las Cruces; two sisters, Leticia Cadena and husband Carlos of Victorville, CA; Angel Lopez of Tucson, AZ; also surviving her are numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Lupe Martinez and Mary Lou Martinez; son in-law, John Penrod.
Visitation will be Monday August 22 from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the prayer vigil/rosary being recited by Deacon Bill Holguin to commence at 6pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 23 at 10am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Concluding service and interment will take place at St. Vincent cemetery. Pallbearers are Vincent Ortega, Joshua Wilson, Caleb Perez, Johnny Martinez, Benny Martinez, and Jacob Polangco. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Martinez Jr., Ben Martinez, Albert Morales and James Cadena.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.