Marie Carmen O'Donnell

January 7, 1936 - February 14, 2012 In loving memory of Marie "Carmen" O'Donnell, born in Albuquerque, NM on January 7, 1936. She took her place in our Heavenly Kingdom on February 14, 2012. She was the daughter of the late Beatrice "Betty" Gutierrez and Robert Ruiz, and the only sister of the late Mary "Allie" Maes. Carmen was the proud mother of Patricia McFate (Dave), John Perez (Melissa), Victoria Sanchez, Mary "Alice" Ramirez (Edward "Modo"), and Pamela Martinez (James "Jimbo")and her two dogs Chato and Chiquita. She also raised her five grandchildren as her own - Anthony Roybal (Deann), Rochael Sandoval, Michael Cisneros Jr., Danyeal Cisneros, and Dominick Cisneros. She was a wonderful grandmother to 16 and a great grandmother to 20, and she was the great aunt to Carmen Gardner. She is survived also by numerous relatives, and she was a friend to many. It was her mission in life to take in any kid who didn't have a home or parent. She nurtured, fed, and foster-mothered many children in the Denver area. She was always proud to say we are a family who are "Gente People (people, people)" and "Carino People (affectionate people.)" Her beginning was very humble, but throughout life she broke economic barriers and raised her family alone and became a successful owner of a historical home in the Potter Highlands Historic District known as the "North Side" to its natives. She was a stock car driver reigning champion at Lakeside Speedway, a member of the C.A.R.C. Powder Puff team and in one year she had 12 victories earning her the overall Driver of the Year trophy. Carmen has touched many lives and believed that by being good to people she would change our world one person at a time. She was the matriarch of our family and was the glue that bonded our family. She enjoyed the company of her family and friends. Each of us will miss visiting her, her meals, and her everlasting love. Please join us in celebrating her wonderful life at Thrive Church, 2820 W. 92nd Avenue, Federal Heights, CO 80260, Saturday, February 25th, at 10 A.M. with reception to follow.