Carmen Aiken

1929 - 2021

Carmen Priscilla Heyne Aiken
March 15, 1929 - May 11, 2021
Carmen Priscilla Heyne Aiken March 15, 1929 - May 11, 2021
Carmen was born in Long Prairie, Minnesota, to Nora M. Loetterle and Pastor Edwin Theo. Wm. Heyne in the parsonage living room and greeted by her siblings Esther, Ruth, Lois, Ed, and Connie. Nora taught the children to grow vegetables and prepare healthful food. Edwin instilled a fervent faith in God and love of Lutheran liturgy. Carmen's memories of childhood as the youngest in a big household were of adventure and fun. After graduating from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Carmen married James Shepherd. They had two children, Jim and Kate, while moving between Seward, Nebraska, and Granada Hills and Long Beach in California. During that time, Carmen taught at Lutheran parochial schools. In 1971, she earned a California teaching credential from Cal State Long Beach. Soon after, Carmen and Jim moved to Oakland to work with teen wards of the court. Carmen taught in Alameda, where she finished her teaching career. Carmen and Jim divorced in 1996. That same year, she and Jim (Andrew) Aiken received a blessing from Pastor Gus Schultz at University Lutheran Chapel. They were married by Pastor Jeff Johnson in 2002. Although retired, Carmen continued working in public schools, organizing camping trips to Yosemite and Point Reyes, and directing classroom musicals and Shakespeare productions. Throughout her life, she enjoyed travel, summer vacation in Tahoe, attending opera, symphony and ballet in San Francisco, cooking elaborate meals for dinner parties, attending mass, singing in choirs including the San Francisco Bach Choir, being with family and friends, and working hard. Carmen was a cancer survivor with an incredible will to live and positive outlook on life, firmly rooted in faith. She died peacefully at home.
Family members will attend Carmen's internment on June 22 at Sunset View in El Cerrito. There will be a public celebration of Carmen's life at a later date.