Minerva Carrillo

MINERVA L. CARRILLO

March 16, 1934 - June 17, 2016

At the young age of 82, God called Minerva L. Carrillo to His side. Minerva lived a life devoted to the Lord, to her church, to her husband, and to her four daughters and their families. No one was a stranger to her and she was always ready and willing to open her door and her heart to anyone in need.

She saw the world through spiritual eyes and shared her devotion to faith with her family. A lifelong Catholic, she was a founding member of St. Patrick Church where she served on the building committee through the Altar Society. She lived her Cursillo and was one of the founders of the Santa Teresita Cursillo Prayer Group which began in 1977 and continues until this day. More recently, her service was extended through her support of her daughters', sons' in law, and grandchildrens' involvement in the ACTS movement and the church.

She and her husband traveled to many parts of the world but most often their travels were pilgrimages or visits to Catholic shrines and sites. Even their cruises were "retreats at sea." She visited the Vatican, the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje, Mexico City and San Juan de los Lagos, among others, bringing back bottles of holy water and prayers for whoever needed them. Her greatest devotion was to Our Lady of Guadalupe and to Santa Teresita, for whom she named her youngest child.

Minerva included her children in her travels as often as possible. She never said no to a new adventure and jumped at the opportunity to ride camels in the Middle East, banana boats in the Caribbean, kayak and dogsled in Alaska, and go for helicopter rides when she had the chance. While some of her travels might not have been considered spiritual journeys, she still made time for her daily prayers and gave honor and glory to God for all the blessings that were afforded to her and her family.

She loved Vegas, "bling," and parties. Her vibrant smile, warm red hair and the twinkle in her eyes were just glimpses of the joyous woman who loved God, family, and friends, and welcomed everyone who spoke to her as if she'd known them forever. She was looking forward to celebrating her 60th wedding anniversary this coming July, with one more party.

Minerva worked alongside her husband, daughters and family members at M. J. Carrillo Co., Inc. until her retirement. She was known for her business savvy mind and her knack for saving and stretching every dollar. This is a family business and all who came to know her through work or business knew that it was very important to her that the integrity, vision, and heart that were started by M. J. Carrillo, the founder of the company, should be maintained to the highest level possible.

The family would like to thank her doctors, Arturo Garza-Gongora and Joseph P. Camero, as well as her caregivers Delia, Estela and Mari for the years that they watched over her and the care that they extended to her. The family would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of M. J. Carrillo Co., Inc. Their work ethic and dedication to their work family over the years never goes unnoticed. There are no words to express our sincere gratitude to the ACTS community and all who have prayed and reached out to the family during this difficult time.

She will be missed by many, but most especially by her family. God bless and keep her soul. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Left behind to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Juan Jose "Oscar" Carrillo; daughters, Minerva C. "Pin" (Randy) Gonzalez, Ana Laura (Meliton) Rodriguez, Alma Rosa "Beba" (Ramiro) Garza & Teresita Carrillo (Rolando) De La Garza; grandchildren John Randolph (Chelsea) Gonzalez, Clarissa C. (Mark) Fenker, Oscar Ramiro Garza, Laura Cecilia Garza (Alvaro Pequeo), Meliton S. Rodriguez & Manuel A. Rodriguez; siblings, Sergio (Laura) Lopez, Alejandro (Blanca) Lopez & Rosalinda L.(Luis) Garcia; sister in law, Elia E. (Martin) Frias; brothers in law, Luis Alberto (Erendira) Carrillo & Raul J. (Hortencia) Carrillo. She is further survived by other loved relatives and friends.

Minerva is preceded in death by her parents, Simon Lopez & Guadalupe Flores; sister, Alma (Oscar) Carreon; brother in law, Rev. Victor M. Carrillo; and sisters in law, Blanca B. Kostoff & Yolanda Carrillo.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, June 24, 2016 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 25, 2016 at St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. with Msgr. Tom McGettrick as the celebrant.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to: Casa Misericordia, Bethany House & St. Patrick Life Teen.

You may express your condolences and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.