Obituary of Carmela Miranda Lopez

Carmela Miranda Lopez, 88, of Tucson, passed away at her home on August 7, 2018, surrounded by her adoring family. She was born on August 13, 1929 to Jose and Tomasa (Cuevas) Miranda in Miami, AZ. At a very young age, her parents moved the family to Villa Juarez, Sonora, Mexico, where Carmela was raised and where she subsequently met and wed her first husband, Bardomiano Talavera, Sr. Together, they had four sons while managing a family farm. Tragically, in 1960, Bardomiano was fatally injured in a car accident. In a true reflection of her character and perseverance, Carmela forged on to manage the family farm and raise the four boys alone. In the late 1960s, Carmela met Juan V. Lopez. Soon after, she decided to bring her sons to the United States where she knew they would have better opportunities and brighter futures. In December 1968, Carmela married Juan in Douglas, AZ. This December would have been their Golden Wedding anniversary celebration. Carmela was a member of "Las Senoras del Tejido" and later "Las Senoras del Rosario". She was preceded in death by Father, Jose Miranda, Mother, Tomasa Miranda-Cuevas, Brother, Enrique Miranda and Sister, Evangelica Paez. Carmela is survived by her loving spouse of 49 years, Juan V. Lopez; Sons: Heriberto, Jorge (Linda), Mardonio (Viktoriya) and Bardomiano Jr. (James); Grandchildren: Marie (Rudolfo), Liza (Greg), Carlos, Alex (Allison), Jacob, and Matthew; as well as 7 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind brothers: Gilberto (Martha) and Cristobal (Flor) and sisters: Julia and Guadalupe; along with numerous nieces and nephews. We wish to acknowledge her very special friend Gilda Cruz (Tony Sr.) and her family for their loving friendship, care and support of over 45 years. Carmela was a dignified, inspiring lady, and beloved by family and friends. She loved to entertain and cook - where she was famous for her "Nana's beans" (frijoles puercos). She and Juan traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, France, and major cities in the US. Throughout her life, and until her final days, she was known for her "wickedly funny" sense of humor. Carmela will be forever missed by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. En paz descanse Mama. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018, 10:00am at the Adair Funeral Homes Inc., Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave., Oro Valley, AZ 85704, with Josie Velarde and Delia Ruiz leading the bi-lingual Rosary. Memorial tributes by family and friends will follow. And after the memorial service, refreshments and lunch to be served at the residence of Jorge Talavera: 4060 E. La Espalda, Tucson 85718.