MARIA SCHULER

1962 - 2023

MARIA DEL CARMEN SCHULER

1962 - 2023

Maria Del Carmen Schuler sadly and unexpectedly passed away on December 31, 2023. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of her passing. She was a wonderful and selfless woman, and she played many roles in all of the lives she touched. She had several nicknames, but her loved ones knew her as Carmen. She was born and raised in El Centro, where she had many friends and family members and was a well-loved member of the community.

In her youth, Carmen grew up on Pico Road with her father, mother, and siblings. She often told stories about her childhood, such as roller skating with her youngest sister, Marina, and dancing with her siblings. She cherished the memories she had of her family growing up and held them close to her heart.

Carmen attended Central Union High School from 1976 to 1980. There she met her husband, Robert Schuler, and they became high school sweethearts. She knew how to make others laugh with her jokes, was known as a great friend, and a bit of a class clown. Carmen was a natural at just being herself and was not afraid to speak her mind.

In 1984, Carmen married Robert and gave birth to her first daughter, Stephanie. After the birth, Stephanie and her joined Robert in Germany, where he was stationed with the National Guard. After returning to the U.S., Robert and Carmen resided in San Diego, CA, together, where they welcomed their second daughter, Sara. In 1993, Carmen and Robert returned to El Centro, CA and shortly after welcomed their third daughter, Sandra.

Carmen had many hobbies, such as reading, making jewelry for her loved ones, watching her favorite movies and shows. She enjoyed listening to all sorts of music and loved artists such as Queen, Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, and many more. She loved Latin music, such as La Ley, Los Bukis, and Marco Antonio Solis. Music was important to her as it uplifted her spirit and brought joy to her daily life. She had dreams of becoming a singer in her youth. Carmen cared deeply for whales and elephants in captivity. She would often donate her own hard earned money to help animals in need.

In her later life, Carmen was a devoted caregiver to many families, including her own, and began her care taking career as early as high school. Carmen is survived by her three daughters, Stephanie, Sara, and Sandra Schuler; husband of 40 years, Robert Schuler; and her cherished companion, her dog, Archie. She was preceded in death by her father, Francisco Apalategui; nephews, Fernando "Mikey" Contreras, Frank "Junior" Apalategui, and Adam Apalategui; niece, Claire Apalategui; and her former cherished companion, her dog, Diego.

Carmen's memorial is on Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Hems Brothers Mortuary located on 1975 S. 4th St. El Centro, CA 92243. The service begins at 10am. After the service, we will move the celebration of life to Bucklin Park and celebrate. If you knew Carmen, please join us to celebrate her life and say a last farewell. This is a celebration of a loving and memorable wife, mother, sister, and daughter. Keep her love and memory in your hearts forever.