Obituary of Carmen Echebarria

CARMEN ECHEBARRIA STERLING - Carmen Echebarria, 75, passed away peacefully in her home with family, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, all around her on Sunday, March 18, 2012 from an extended illness. Carmen was born August 20, 1936 in Sterling, the daughter of Exiquio and Maria (Rodriguez) Echebarria. She was the oldest of eleven brothers and sisters. She helped raise and take care of many nieces and nephews through the years. Carmen loved cooking, playing the piano and going to the church that her father helped build and her brother is now the pastor. She played piano in her family church, Tabernacle Christian Church, for many years. Survivors include two sisters, Mary Lou Echebarria and Maria (Tony) Moncivais, both of Sterling; five brothers, Frank, Jerry, John and Tony Echebarria, all of Sterling, and Exiquio Echebarria, of Rock Falls; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, including very special nieces and nephews whom she helped raise, Angelita (Hector) Mendez, Debra (Jason Lira) Martinez, Noah (Dalila Huesca) Martinez, all of Sterling, and Anna Martinez, of Cicero, and Adelina (David) Martinez, who took care of her until she went to be with her Lord, and twelve special great great nieces and nephews who looked to her as a grandmother also. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, David and Ruben Echebarria; one sister, Adeline Martinez; one niece, Irene Martinez; and one great-niece, Arie Boggio. The family would like to say a special thanks to CGH Home Nursing. They appreciate all you did. Services will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Tabernacle Christian Church in Sterling. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM, Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.