The tenth of twelve children, Carmen and her family eventually moved to Kearney, NE, and then on to Omaha following the death of her father. She graduated from Omaha South High School in 1951. Carmen met the love of her life, Art, while he was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. Carmen and Art married in June 1952, the day following his discharge from service, and soon moved to Corpus Christi, TX. Their young family grew quickly, as they welcomed four sons before moving to California in 1962. Carmen often remarked that their time in California was among the happiest years of her life.
The family moved to Lincoln in 1967 to help her in-laws operate The Taco Hut, Lincoln’s first Mexican restaurant (later named Arturo’s). Carmen and Art would eventually assume ownership. The work was hard, and the hours were long, but Carmen and Art created a lasting legacy that lives on in the hearts (and stomachs) of their family and three generations of loyal customers who also became friends. Carmen would sometimes talk about how difficult it was to leave her young sons at home while she worked all the time. Her boys wanted for nothing, though. They were brought up knowing right from wrong, looking out for one another, understanding sacrifice and perseverance, and secure in the steadfast love of their parents.
Carmen and Art had a knack for family, so they added a fifth son in 1971. Raising five boys is not for the faint of heart. Carmen would tell you at times they ran her ragged, but she would also tell you they were perfect. Carmen’s boys were respectful but tough and grew to be successful men who carry on the example set by their parents. They will tell you their mom was tough in her own right, modeling for them strength of spirit and body throughout her life. She attended exercise classes regularly even into her nineties. Among Carmen’s greatest strengths was her ability to laugh at herself. She never took herself too seriously, and her family delighted in her giggle fits as she recounted something funny that she had said, thought, or done. Even as age gradually diminished her strength and poked holes in her memory, Carmen reflected on the changes with a sense of humor and enduring gratitude for her physical capabilities and the many blessings of her life.
Carmen traveled with family following her retirement, even visiting Colotlan, Mexico, the city from which her parents originated. Carmen loved music and loved to dance. When The Lexington Assisted Living Center offered live music, she could always be found in the front row, dancing. She enjoyed pancakes with syrup on every bite, a beer with her dinner, and her nightly dish of caramel ice cream. She made the best fideo and her grandchildren’s favorite spaghetti. Carmen was a woman of tremendous faith and long-time member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church. Yellow roses—her favorite color and flower—will forever remind her family of Carmen’s beauty, light, and joy.
Carmen’s family is grateful to the remarkable staff at The Lexington and Tabitha Journey House for their compassion and excellent care.
Carmen is survived by: sons, Arthur (Debbie) Longoria III, Lincoln; Daniel (Pati) Longoria, Lincoln; Rene (Elspeth Walker) Longoria, Lincoln; Richard (Adrienne) Longoria, West Palm Beach, Florida; Michael (Shelly) Longoria, Lincoln; grandchildren, Andrew (Bridget) Longoria, Nikki Longoria, Nate Longoria, Ian (Jessica) Boren, Toni Longoria, Seve Longoria, Rudy (Nia O’Bryant) Longoria, Sophia Longoria, Cruz Longoria, Maya Longoria, Gabi Longoria; great-grandchildren, James, Caroline, Noah, Paisley, and Matteo; sister, Dodie (Tony) Rodriguez; sisters-in-law, Betty Vela, Elva (Mike) Hansen; brother-in-law, Arnold (Doris) Longoria; nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur; and ten brothers and sisters.
Rosary will be held at 6:00pm, Thursday, August 29, Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street, Lincoln, NE.
Memorial of Mass will be held at 11:00am, Friday, August 30, St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 7601 Vine Street, Lincoln, NE.
Memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.