Carnation Armijo

Carnation "Encarnacion" Armijo, a resident of Abuquerque, went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, October 4, 2017. Carnation passed away peacefully while at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospice. She was born on March 5, 1926, the daughter of Elifas and Adelina Aragon. She was adopted by Michael and Encarnacion Saracino of Polvadera, NM. She is proceeded in death by her husband of over 30 years.

Together, Bel and Carnation owned several successful businesses as well as rental properties that the couple ran together as a team. In 1978, Bel passed away and Carnation continued to manage the rentals. Working was a driving force for Carnation, who felt that it "kept her going".

Carnation grew up dancing at her parent's dance hall and that love of dancing stayed with her until the very end. The Senior Centers here in Albuquerque were a second home to her, where she could be seen dancing and laughing with friends.

Second only to dancing, was her love of dressing up in beautiful clothing, complete with matching cowboy boots. For those of us who loved her, we will always remember the pride she had for her boots. Her outfits won many prizes at the Senior Center dances. She had a gift for dressing well. Carnation had an amazing faith in God that was unwavering. She was Catholic and attended masses at St. Anne's, St Bernadette, and St Therese churches here in Albuquerque. Being Catholic never stopped her from visiting other churches where she enjoyed the hymns and singing there. The pipe organs were a favorite.

Carnation was a mother and homemaker in addition to her business ventures. She is survived by her children: Christopher Armijo and wife Mae; Suzette Layman and her husband Jim; Jennette Huhta and her husband Bruce; and Becky "Annette" Roybal. In addition, she had 13 grandchildren: Scott, Bellamy, Sarabeth, Emily, Michael, Jordan, Jessica, Mary, Isaac, Jamie, and Kylie, Gabriel, and Esteban. She had 4 great grand-children, Aniah, Ethan, Shayla, Isabel and another on the way. Other family members that were of great importance to Carnation were nephew Ralph Aragon and niece Margaret Armijo-Sanchez.

Carnation's Life Celebration will begin with a Viewing at Salazar Mortuary at 5:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary also at Salazar Mortuary on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 7:00 pm. The following day, Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at 9:00 am a Communion Service will be held at Shrine of the Little Flower St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 3424 Fourth St. NW 87107. We will have a burial service at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. SW immediately following the mass. After that, the family welcomes all to a reception back at Salazar Mortuary where Carnation's life can be celebrated with friends and family.

One of Carnation's final wishes was that she be surrounded by flowers, hymns, friends and family. Please feel free to add flowers to the services. Monetary donations can be made to Presbyterian Hospice. The family would like to express their gratitude for all at Presbyterian Hospital who made Carnation's last days comfortable.