OBITUARIES
Carla E . Moore was born in Berkeley, California on April 11, 1 948, to Carl E . Moore and Kathryn Marie Moore. Carla's parents were students at the University of California, Berkeley, when she was born. Her parents both became educators. Carla lived in Santa Ana before her family relocated to El Centro in 1957.
Carla was an excellent student and athlete. S he received c ountless awards t hroughout both grade school a nd h igh school for h er a cademic excellence and passion for sports. After graduating from C entral Union High School, she attended the University of California, Berkeley ('66-'70) as a Political Science major with the intention of attending law school, which she did, b ut d iscovered her real passion for helping others through public s ervice while attending the University o f San Diego, where she received a master's degree in education.
After graduating from college, Carla moved back to El C entro and went to work for the Imperial C ounty Department of Social Services as a Social Worker. Over the years, she would be promoted to leadership positions e ventually b ecoming Deputy Director for the Department of Social Services. She worked her entire career a s a civil servant, d edicating her life to helping others in the Imperial Valley. Her passion for helping people find and retain meaningful w ork was unmatched. She spearheaded m any bold p rojects that helped propel Imperial County forward. Her courageous i deas h elped shape the next century of economic projects in Imperial County, which will be one of her many legacies of creating economic prosperity for the Valley that s he loved so much. Carla was proud of h er community a nd w orked tirelessly to support it.
Carla was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and animal lover. She thoroughly enjoyed giving g ifts a nd sending holiday themed packages t hat brought smiles t o everyone's faces. Whether i t was a "silly" care package with intentionally picked gifts (and h er l ove of p uzzle boxes!), or a sentimental card for an important date, she was unparalleled in the intentionality she gave those she loved. Carla was very thoughtful, generous and loyal to those she loved. She was incredible at seeing a persons potential and gently encouraging them t owards reaching a spirational goals. She was an unending s upporter o f nonprofits t hat focused on women's issues, animal rights, and preserving history. Carla was an avid l ifelong reader who enjoyed history, especially a ncient R oman a nd Egyptian history. S he
Maria G. Maciel Carrera, affectionately k nown as Lupita, passed a way peacefully o f natural causes o n February 6 , 2024, at the age of 100, in Calexico, California. S he was born on May 18, 1923, in the p icturesque town of P uruandido, M ichoacan, Lupita was a beacon of l ove and resilience throughout h er r emarkable century of life.
Lupita was the cherished daughter of the late Eutimio M aciel and Trinidad R amos. Her journey from the rolling hills of Michoacan to the sun-kissed valleys of California was a testament to her adventurous spirit and her unwavering commitment to h er f amily. She was a beloved mother to her deceased sons, Carlos and Jesus Carrera, and a doting grandmother to Estevan Carrera, who filled her later years with joy and laughter.
She is survived by her sons and daughters: Carolina (Manuel Romero), Alicia ( Carlos Zaragoza), Catalina ( John Castello), Jorge Carrera ( Maricela), and Jose Alfredo Carrera; 18 g randchildren f ollowing 14 great-grandchildren; and 6 g reat-great grandchildren.
Lupita's legacy is one of unwavering love and the courage to embrace life's challenges w ith g race. Her story is a t apestry woven with t he t hreads of her Mexican heritage, the love o f her family, and the countless lives she touched w ith h er kindness. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.
Thanking t hose who were t here for M other day and night comforting with l ove: Maria Adame
Michael Lee Valdez, a loving s on, brother, f ather, grandfather, u ncle, and friend, passed away on January 25, 2024, leaving behind a l egacy of warmth a nd a ffection. Born on July 24, 1971, in Brawley, C A. M ichael spent his life s preading joy and building m eaningful c onnections w ith everyone h e encountered.
Michael was the beloved son of A rthur and Lydia Valdez and the cherished brother of Steven Valdez. He was a devoted father to three daughters, Megan Alvarado, Mariyah Bueno, a nd Miriam V aldez, a nd a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren. Family was at t he c ore of h is heart, a nd h is l ove for them was immeasurable.
Raised in Calipatria, Michael developed a zest for life t hat he c arried with him t hroughout his journey. A free spirit, he embraced every moment with e nthusiasm and a genuine love f or others. Michael had an incredible ability to make f riends wherever h e went, his charismatic p ersonality leaving a lasting impression o n those fortunate enough to know him.
To c elebrate the r emarkable l ife of Michael Lee Valdez, a memorial service will b e held at Frye Chapel & Mortuary in B rawley o n February 23, 2024, at 10 am. Graveside at 1pm at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley.