Our own ray of sunshine Carmela Jozette Abreu Benavidez has left this world on July 10, 2022, to take her place in heaven at the age of 53.

Carmela was born to John Abreu and JoAnn Abreu-Gonzales on February 22 ^nd , 1969. She was the only girl to four brothers who she loves deeply. Carmela began her walk with Christ at the age of 9 when she was baptized in the church bringing her family to Christ. Carmela went on to high school at ABQ high where she was a cheerleader and a state champ in 1987 as a Bulldoggie. In 1988 Carmela battled cancer that she overcame and has been in remission for 34 years. In August of 1990 she married Gabriel Benavidez and together welcomed two daughters Gabriella and Kayla. She began her career at Youth Development in 1998 as a parent in Head start and ended her career as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. Carmela became a "Nana" in 2013 and 2018 and loved her grandbabies with all her heart.

Carmela loved to dance at any given moment and loved her music of Bruno Mars, Boy George, Michael Jackson, Little Joe, and Al Hurricane. She was always up for nachos, loved a good steak, twizzlers and craved banana splits. Carmela had a contagious laugh, and her smile would light up the room. Carmela loved her job and her coworkers; she had a passion to help others and ensured that everyone was taken care of. She loved her friends like they were her family and treated everyone with love and respect. Family was the essence of Carmela's being.

She is preceded in death by grandparents: Moses & Carmen Gonzales, Conrado & Conception Abreu, Father John Abreu, uncles: Spider, Ownie, Dino, Henry, Fredo, Paul, Nino Albert Teupell. Auntie Vangie. Nephew Adam Benavidez and Brother-in-Law Bonifacio Benavidez.

She is survived by: Husband Gabriel Benavidez, Daughter Gabriella Sanchez & Son Joshua Sanchez, Daughter Kayla Benavidez & son Antonio Gutierrez, Grandchildren: Rayella, Jaylyn Sanchez. Mother JoAnn Gonzales, Brothers: Conrad & wife Annette, Julian & wife Betty, Freddy & wife Edwina and Jay. Nina Emily Teupell, nieces & nephews and great nieces and nephews. Godson Marcos Tafoya and Goddaughter Sophie Abreu.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 23 ^rd , 2022, at Casa Del Rey Church 2500 Corona Dr NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Greeting of the family at 10:00 am services starting at 11:00am. Burial immediately to follow. Orlando Segura officiating minister.