In Loving Memory of Maria Carmen Cirilo

My Beloved Wife and Loving Mother of Our Children

With a heavy heart and deep love, I share the passing of my beloved wife Maria Carmen Cirilo, the love of my life for almost 65 beautiful years. She went with Our Lord on April 25, 2026. She was born on July 23, 1941, in Pearsall, Texas and her parents were, Romula Charles and Trinidad Vargas. She experienced the loss of her mother at the young age of six, a hardship that shaped her strength, compassion, and deep devotion to family throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her father, Trinidad Vargas.

Carmen was everything to me and the heart of our family, a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and endless love. She gave so much of herself every day, always putting our family first and making sure we were cared for, supported, and surrounded by love. She truly did everything for us, always wanting the very best for each of us.

Together, we built a life filled with love, laughter, and faith, and that love lives on through our seven children: Michael Anthony Cirilo Sr., Alfredo Trevino Cirilo Jr., Steven Cirilo Sr., Priscilla Cirilo, Jaime Cirilo, Javier Cirilo Sr. and Philip Cirilo.

We are blessed with 18 grandchildren: Maggie Cirilo, Michael Anthony Cirilo Jr., Steven Cirilo Jr., Amanda Marie Cirilo, Isaiah Ray Cirilo and Rubi Garcia-Gonzalez, Justin and Esperanza Victoria Cirilo, Samantha Ashley and Joe Vielma, Anthony Jeremy and Celest Andrade, Austin Jacob and Fatima Villareal Andrade, Devin Adan Ruiz, Clarisa Mariah Cirilo, Joaquin Jaime Cirilo, and Javier Cirilo Jr.

Our love continues into our next generation with seven great-grandchildren: Nevaeh Nicolle Siller, Madelynn Jade Vielma, Mirabella Abigail Vielma, Mason Joe Vielma, Sofia Antonella Andrade, Mateo Everado Palomo, and Aaralynn Faith Zuniga.

She is also lovingly remembered by our three cherished daughters-in-law, Mary Lou Cirilo, Lydia Zuniga Cirilo, and Tanya Cirilo; one sister-n-law, Teresita Cirilo Mosqueda; two cousins, Clemencia Martinez Riojas and Lucinda Leal Garcia; numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Carmen created a home that was warm and welcoming, where everyone felt safe, loved, and at peace. She always found joy in the simple things especially dancing and sharing meals with her family. Her favorite food was Chinese beef & broccoli often enjoyed with her favorite soda, root beer. She never passed up tres leches cake, cheesecake, pastries, or a raspa topped with ice cream.

A lover of mystery stories and puzzles, she enjoyed watching Law & Order, reruns of Agatha Christie shows, reading novels by James Patterson, and spending time doing crossword puzzles. Her favorite color was yellow, and it suited her perfectly, as she brought light and warmth into our lives every single day.

Her faith was also a central part of her life. She found great joy in tending her garden, planting yellow roses, and lovingly creating shrines to Our Lady of Guadalupe, reflecting her deep Catholic faith and devotion. She loved connecting with others and cherished heartfelt conversations with everyone, even those she just met. She would always say, “Ten cuidado y Dios te bendiga,” a loving reminder to be careful and a blessing she never failed to express.

She was also generous in her giving, supporting causes close to her heart including Boys Town, Disabled American Veterans, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She also had a deep love for all animals, especially her dogs, Khloe, Precious, and Chiquita. Precious and Chiquita were neighborhood strays she cared for and welcomed into our family.

She was the most giving and selfless person I have ever known, and her love, her faith, and the life we shared will stay with me and our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sister-n-law and family forever.

Though my heart is broken, I find comfort in knowing she is at peace in the presence of Our Lord. I hold onto knowing that one day we will be together again, and her love will remain in me and our family always.

With love her husband, Alfredo T. Cirilo Sr.