Carolina Franco Najera de Avitia

Carolina Franco Najera de Avitia was born and raised in Carlsbad, NM. She is a wife, our mom, your sister, your aunt, your nana and your friend. As many of you know she comes from a large family with many siblings. She always made sure that we knew she was a daddy’s girl. There’s nothing she wouldn’t have done for her daddy. Carol met and fell in love with her honey buns, Larry Avitia. They married on July 26, 1975 and continued to make Carlsbad their hometown. Our dad made sure to never tell our mom no. He showered her with a loving home and anything she wanted, he provided. Together they have three children, Jessica, Jaclyn and Larry Jr. Carol worked in the Carlsbad School system and started out at Head Start continuing at Puckett Elementary School. If you know Carol, you know there is not a child she didn’t want to adopt and make her own. She loved teaching, that was her passion. There was always a lesson hidden in everything she did.
Carol was able to go into early retirement and continued loving life. She quickly adapted to
retirement life and thanks to a really wonderful sister-in-law, she ended up really taking to bingo
and casino adventures. Carol was an amazing cook; every meal was cooked with love. She always made sure there was a home cooked meal for her family. Every birthday and holiday
became a moment where Carol really shined. She made sure her kiddos would never forget just
how special they are. She knew that these were the moments that would be carried forward and
that they would be cherished for all times.
Carol seemed to love all things, she was an avid collector of many, many, many trinkets. From salt and pepper shakers, cookie jars, books, clothes, shoes, purses, she even collected dirt from all the places she would never travel too. Many of you would bring her dirt from your travels and she would cherish the simple fact that you thought of her while on your adventures.
On a daily basis, she was able to spend quality time with her grandson and youngest daughter.
Along with her sidekick chihuahua, Chula, who never left her side, come day or night. Those of you who have met Chula know very well she has protected her mama for nearly 18 years. When you asked her what’s her favorite place on earth, she would tell you, her home. Her home was her sanctuary.
All she ever wanted was for there to be peace, love and happiness. To never have a child go
hungry, feel scared or feel unloved. She never wanted any animal to suffer. For everyone
to remember their manners and to respect their elders. Do what you know is right, even if you don’t want to. If you broke it, you must fix it. Never ask for anything you cannot repay. You have to work for what you want each day.
Most of all she would want each and every one of you to always know that if you set your
mind and heart to it you can do anything! Please, don’t forget the love she showed you
because she loved you all deeply.
Visitation is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a vigil starting at 6:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery.
Carolina was preceded in death by her father, Ruben Najera; mother, Manuela Najera; and two brothers. She is survived by her husband, Larry D. Avitia of Carlsbad, NM; daughter, Jessica Avitia and Teresa Garcia of Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Jaclyn Avitia of Carlsbad, NM; son, Larry Avitia, Jr. and Jackie Avitia of Florida; three grandchildren: DeAgo Murillo, Natalia Avitia, and Breilla Avitia; ten siblings; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com