Carmen Varela

Maria Del Carmen Diaz Varela, 75, of Lake Charles passed away Friday, January 7th, 2022 surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Varela was a native of Honduras where she learned to dance and enjoy life, resulting in a beautiful soul.  Her love of dance and spirit followed her throughout her life.  

Following graduation from Auxiliadora Institute in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Mrs. Varela studied as a student in the states at Meadows Draughon Business College in New Orleans where she obtained an Associate Degree in Business. It was while studying in New Orleans she met her beloved husband and was privileged to work alongside him in his medical practice for many years. Mrs. Varela thrived on conversations and visiting with others, especially at her home, whether just a few guests or a party of many. She embraced social gatherings, as she and her husband were wonderful hosts, welcoming family and friends often. She was a member of the Club Hispano of Lake Charles and Krewe de la Famille where she served as a member of the Royal Court. She enjoyed living in Louisiana, taking dance classes, attending functions and parties of the Club as well as Mardi Gras activities and dances.  She loved travel, learning customs and culture throughout the states and various tours throughout Europe and Latin America.  She especially loved sharing her experiences when she returned.

Mrs. Varela’s greatest accomplishment was her greatest blessing from God, her family. She raised them to understand the importance of faith and prayer and the unity of family.  She loved being a wife, mother and a grandmother. She found great joy in keeping her “little princesses” dressed in beautiful clothing, doting on them and making them feel special. Mrs. Varela always had a smile with a spirit that brightened any room she entered and everyone she encountered. She had a kind heart and wisdom for words of encouragement that made people feel at ease. She will be remembered as a lady of faith and family. A lady who adored her family, loved fiercely and gave her all to those she loved.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her two sons, Raul Varela and wife Trish of Dallas, TX and Enrique Varela and wife Sandi of Austin, TX; five beautiful granddaughters, Ava and Ellie Varela and Lola, Lily and Louisa Varela and a cousin, Joselyn Williams of New Orleans.

She was preceded in death by her husband of more than fifty years, Dr. Raul E. Varela and parents, Moises Diaz and Isabel Guillen of Honduras.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 19, 2022 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Lake Charles, LA under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Monsignor Jace Eskind will officiate. Interment services will follow at Consolata Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends Saturday will begin at 10:00 AM with a rosary service and tribute from her son to begin at 12:00 PM in the church.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association-Louisiana Chapter at alz.org/louisiana.

Livestream following will be available beginning at 12:00 PM with rosary and will continue until the dismissal of Mass. Go to St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Lake Charles Facebook page and like to attend.