Carmen Gonzales Varela

Carmen G. Varela VA Beach - Carmen Gonzales Varela, born November 20, 1920 in Blanco, New Mexico went to be with the Lord on Aug. 4, 2008. She was predeceased by her husband, Tom Varela; son, J. Donald Varela and granddaughter, Suzanne Varela Hastings. Carmen is survived by her son's widow, Joyce Varela from Currituck, NC. Her children, Kathleen Amsler and her husband, Wyman from Waycross, GA, Tom Varela and his wife, Ingrid from Portsmouth, Virginia, Anita Lopez, from VA Beach, Virginia, Robert Varela and his wife, Teresa from Glendale, Arizona, Geno Varela and his wife, Lisa from Richmond, Virginia; 18 grandchildren, Michele Norman, Greg Varela, Shawn Conners, Charmaine Turbitt, Mike Lopez, Amber Cox, Nikki Matthews, TJ Varela, Marc Lopez, Paul Varela, Joe Varela, Jay Varela, Sam Varela, Jon Varela, Jamie Unrau, Chas Madeira, Kyle Madeira and Jessica Varela; and 35 great-grandchildren. In addition Carmen is survived by a sister, Frances Galiegos from Blanco, New Mexico; three brothers, Amador Gonzales and his wife, Irene, Leonard Gonzales and his wife, Alice all from Blanco, New Mexico, Ben Gonzales and his wife, Jenny of Gilroy, California. She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces, who loved her very much. Carmen was a faithful member of Kempsville Presbyterian Church. Her ministry of prayer and encouragement gave her numerous spiritual children and grandchildren. She was known to all as either Mom or Grandma. Her service at CBN as a prayer counselor led her to a ministry of intercessor for anyone who asked. In addition she faithfully supported many Mexican and Native American orphans through finances and prayer. Never one to judge, Carmen gladly accepted everyone for who they were. Although Mom will be missed we all know that one day we will all be with her again in Heaven. Her desire would be that all would come to know Jesus and share eternity with him. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday in Kempsville Presbyterian Church with burial in Horton Veteran Cemetery in Suffolk at 9:00a.m. Friday. The family will receive friends in Loving Funeral Home Churchland Chapel, Portsmouth on Wednesday from 6-8p.m. In honor of one of her favorite charities the family suggests memorial contributions to the Rancho Los Amigos 4444 Edgar Park Ave. El Paso, TX 79904 and condolences may be made online at www.lovingfuneralhome.com

Carmen Gonzales Varela

November 20, 1920 - August 4, 2008