CARMEN ALICIA CONTERAS

1943 - 2018

Carmen Contreras of Holtville, California passed way on April 25, 2018. Carmen was born in Calexico, California on June 21, 1943. She was the first child born to Matias A. Contreras and Brigida Alvarez Contreras. Carmen was reared in Calexico and went to local schools graduating from Calexico High School in 1961. She attended Imperial Valley College and eventually found herself working in the medical office of Dr. John Pinnel. She later moved to Los Angeles to take a job with Kaiser Permanente. Carmen returned to the Imperial Valley in the mid 1990's to be closer to her son and grandson. Shortly after her return, she suffered a stroke. She lived at Valley Retirement Inn in Holtville until her demise. Her family will always remember Carmen as a pleasant and friendly person with a big heart, generous nature, and a quick smile. She made friends easily and many at the dining room tables of VRI appreciated her company. Her son Rick Contreras, brother Matt Contreras, sister Aida Gates and grandchildren Carlos, Melanye, and Dante, survive Carmen. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews who will all miss her greatly.. A rosary and viewing will be held at Hems Mortuary in El Centro from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 11, 2018. A mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in El Centro will be said Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held immediately following the mass at Mountain View Cemetery in Calexico, Ca.