Carmen Mary (Maria) Padilla 1930- 2007 Carmen Mary Padilla, 77, went to be with her Lord on Monday October 15, 2007. She was born on March 13, 1930 in Chupadero, New Mexico. She is survived by her children; Robert Padilla of Brush, CO, Eloy H. Padilla of Fort Morgan, CO, Michael Padilla of Pueblo, CO and Beatrice Padilla of Aurora, CO. 18 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren. She is pre-deceased by her daughters Josephine and Teresa, son Saturnine (John) Padilla and husband & soul mate Gavino Padilla. Carmen was the daughter of Andres & Tomasita Giron Perea. She grew up in the Blue Springs Mountains southwest of Albuquerque. In 1947 her family moved from New Mexico to the Brush, Fort Morgan area to work for Bill Jacoby & William Cender. On January 19, 1948 Carmen and Gavino were married at Cooperiders Hotel and Saloon also known as the Cattleman's in Brush, CO. After having 7 children, Carmen went back to receive her GED. She would be in the first class at Fort Morgan High School adult education class to receive their diploma. She worked as a nursing assistant and was known for her part in the Kitayama strike, fighting for better working conditions for the women there. It was the first agricultural strike in Colorado. Carmen worked at many of the restaurants in the Fort Morgan / Brush area. She loved to cook for her family and friends. If you came to her house, she would feed you. Carmen and Gavino loved to travel and made many trips to New Mexico, Nebraska & California. She was loved by all who knew her and she will be missed very much. Visitation will be held on Friday at 9am at the St. Helena Catholic Church with a rosary to begin at 10:00 am and Mass of Christian Burial to be at 10:30 am. Services will conclude at the church.