Carmen V. Sidler

Carmen Victoria Echalar (Subieta) was born in La Paz, Bolivia on December 23, 1932. She married Louis Sidler in La Paz Bolivia in 1973 (a year before Crystal was born). She came to the United States in 1973, accompanied by her son Enrique Barrenechea, from a previous marriage. Additionally, Carmen had a step-son, Bret Sidler, from Lou's previous marriage. Crystal Renee Sidler was born on December 13 (1974). They lived in Aberdeen MD, for several years before being posted to the US Embassy in Lima, Peru for her husband Lou's job.
Upon returning to the United States, they made Palmyra, Pennsylvania home and Carmen became an active community member at Holy Spirit Parish. She worked as a hostess and server at the beloved Hallman's Restaurant for 25 years. She remained a wonderful homemaker and mother to her children, her stepson, and their families, eventually welcoming grandchildren, Patrick and David Barrenechea, Eli Sidler and more recently, Ava and Isabelle Rehak, whom she adored. After Lou's passing on March 26, 2013, Carmen moved to Arden Courts of Towson Assisted Living, where she was beloved by all and well taken care of for the last eleven years. She was the eternal optimist, her enthusiasm was contagious, her happy-go-lucky and peppy demeanor infectious, and her kindness and tenderness for everyone and every animal she saw, were inspirational. But rest assured she had her sassy side as well that we all appreciated! And of course, her will and strength were admired by all.
She used to enjoy arts and crafts, bingo, board games, playing cards, knitting and she was once an excellent cook and baker too. And boy did she love the slot machines! She loved life, her family and just being around people. Her beautiful smile and laugh lit up a room.
She is survived by her daughter, Crystal Renee Rehak and son-in-law, Cory Rehak of Lutherville, Maryland, son, Enrique Barrenechea and daughter-in-law, Helga Barrenechea of Frankfurt, Germany, stepson, Bret Sidler and daughter-in-law, Sue Sidler of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Grandchildren, Patrick Barrenechea and his wife of West Chester Pennsylvania, David Barrenechea of Barcelona, Spain, Ava and Isabelle Rehak of Lutherville, MD; Her sister, Jael Echalar Subieta and nephew, Sergio Zavala of Palm Beach FL, sister-in-law, Roxana Salmon wife of her deceased brother, Dr. Samuel A. Echalar of Arlington VA, Nieces, Gisele Echalar-D'Ermes and Dave D'Ermes of Falls Church VA, Nadine Echalar-Ritcheson and Philip Ritcheson (their daughters Carina and Simone Ritcheson ) of Falls Church, VA, nephew, Carlos Echalar and wife, Monique of Hingham MA and their daughters, (Alexia and Christine), Ricardo Echalar and his wife, Julie of Nairobi, Kenya (and their sons, Liam and Kieran). As well as numerous sisters- and brothers- in-law on her Sidler family side. Mike Sidler and his wife Elizabeth and their children. And Judy and John Stallings and their children, as well as Echalar's in Bolivia.
She will be immensely missed by everyone who knew her. But with her looking down upon us now, the world will shine a little brighter.
A viewing will be held from 10:30am-11:30am on Wednesday, August 14 at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 25 W. Pine St. Palmyra, PA 17078. A service will begin at 11:30am at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
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