Carmen Silva Dominguez Stenulson, 79, of Colstrip was called home to be with the Lord on September 3, 2015. She passed away peacefully in her own home.
Carmen was born to José and Joséfa Domingues in Sevilla, Spain on February 16, 1936. She had one brother and four sisters. Carmen grew up in Spain where she met and married Gary Stenulson. After making the daring decision to leave her family behind and move to the United States with her new husband, it wasn’t long before she gave birth to her first son, Gary Jr. While making her home in several places in the US, Carmen gave birth to three more sons along the way: Gene, Garland, and finally Gerald. They eventually settled and made their home in Colstrip, Montana in the late ‘70’s. Being a mother was her greatest joy. She put all of her heart and soul into raising her four sons.
As Carmen’s sons began starting their own families, she was overjoyed again with the birth of her grandchildren. She beamed with pride every time she spoke of them. Her love once more poured into being a grandma; and then a great-grandma.
Carmen was one of the most sincere and selfless people that you could meet. She cared for others straight from her heart. Carmen’s vibrant and warm personality lit up every room that she walked into. She had a way of making people feel welcomed by her contagious smile and happy demeanor. Carmen loved spending time with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids as well as with her dear friends at the Colstrip Senior Center. One of her favorite activities there was selling tickets to fans at the local sporting events. Because of Carmen’s warm heart and open arms, the Cosltrip Community fell in love with her as much as she loved the community. She will be deeply missed by all of those that loved her.
Carmen is preceded in death by her parents José and Josefa, and her brother Adrienne.
She is survived by her sons: Gary Jr. (Dianne), Gene (Jodean), Garland (Kristy), and Gerald (Heather); grandchildren: Malorie (Chance), Kyle (Aurora), Jarrod, Austin, Devin, and Veronica; great-grandchildren: Ava, Zaiden, Jailee, Amie, and Desmond.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Colstrip Senior Center.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunday September 6, 2015 with the Funeral Mass immediately following at 4:00 PM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish. Rite of Committal and Burial will follow in the Colstrip Cemetery after the service. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday September 6, 2015
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish
320 Water Ave.
Colstrip, MT 59323
Funeral Mass
4:00 PM
Sunday September 6, 2015
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish
320 Water Ave.
Colstrip, MT 59323
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday September 6, 2015
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish
320 Water Ave.
Colstrip, MT 59323
Funeral Mass
4:00 PM
Sunday September 6, 2015
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish
320 Water Ave.
Colstrip, MT 59323
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pat & george riedel says
Stenulson family — so sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing she was a very funny lady and I’m going to miss her.
Debi Benson says
Carmen was one of the kindest people I knew. She always made me feel special every time I saw her. What a special lady she was! May you always have good memories to give you comfort.
Corrie Barrett says
Stenulson Family: Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers. Carmen was a very special lady and brighten the room with her smile and wonderful always cheerful character. I will miss talking with and seeing her at the store. This will be a hard time but cherish the many memories you have.
TJ Cape says
I’m so sorry to hear about Carmen. It was always a pleasure to run into her at the ball games or at the grocery store selling tickets or around town. She always had a smile on her face and a kind greeting. Will miss her.
Charlie & Shirley Bideaux says
We are saddened to hear about an ole family friend passing. It was our honor to have known her. She has always held a special place in our hearts. We will always see that smile that she had shown us and will miss her.
Shirley and Tom Skinner says
So sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. She was one of the kindest, sweetest ladies I knew. She could always make me smile. She will be missed.
Janelle Beartusk says
I am so sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. I am going to miss her smile and cheerful greeting whenever I saw her. She was so spunky and teasing all of the time! Carmen was such a special lady with a heart of gold. I pray that all of your happy memories of your Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma will keep her in a special place in your hearts forever.
Jeannette Barreto says
I am so sorry to hear about Carmen’s passing. She was a great and dear lady and would always have smile when you saw her. I will miss her dearly.
Kathy and Kortney says
Malorie, Kristie and family,
We are so saddened to her that Carmen has started a new adventure with the Lord. Carmen holds a very dear and special place in our hearts, she was our in town Grandma. Her smile and laugh will remain in my heart forever. No matter where Carmen went she spread joy and sunshine. Remember through your tears that she would want you to laugh and smile.
Hugs and prayers for healing,
Kathy and Kortney LaDuke
Vivian says
RIP Dear lady you will be greatly missed
Marilyn Watson says
One of the most beautiful lady I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. She will be truly missed. Prayers and Hugs to the Stenulson family
Lu Shomate says
Oh how we all loved Carmen. What a spirited women she is/was, what a joy for all of us in our Colstrip Community! I am so sorry for the loss of Carmen, her family was her greatest joy! Thinking of you, prayers & comfort for the moments ahead. Rest in Peace dear Lady!
Susan Acton says
Sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. When I think of her it will be with a smile. Sympathy to her family.
Dave and Mary Jensen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Carmens family. Carmen was a wonderful neighbor and friend. Her smile and sense of humor will be missed by many of us. Rest in peace beautiful lady.
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
To all of Carmen’s family, we will miss Carmen so much. She was a feisty, fun, loving, and a joy to be around, lady. We will miss seeing her around Colstrip and miss her great food and laughter. Sympathy and prayers to her family.
Brenda Bialorucki says
To all of Carmen’s family my sympathy goes to you. I feel so blessed to have known her and called her friend. Laughter is the best word to describe this special lady.
Harriet & Veryl Jansen says
Will miss Carmen more than you know. Do keep the good times with her close at heart. Sincere sympathy to all of the Stenulson Families.
Donna and Lawrence McCulloch says
To all of Carmen’s family, we were saddened to hear of Carmen’s passing. She was such a funny, charming lady. She could make anyone laugh. She loved her family unconditionally. She enjoyed being a member of the senior citizens group who will miss her greatly as will we all. Rest in Peace Carmen.
Bo & Gray Lyon says
Prayers for all of Carmen’s family and friends! I know how deeply you were loved by many and how bright your smile was for everyone you met! Colstrip is sad at heart with losing you and you will be missed by many. Memories will keep you alive and may you rest in peace and may the Lord hold you tight and warm in His gracious arms. To those grieving, hold on to your memories of the good times, sharing with others and know Carmen is at peace and one day you will meet again in the presence of He who is great.
Bruce and Cindy Miller says
We are so sorry to hear of Carmens passing. We will always remember her spunky, warm sence of humor. Hope you find comfort in warm memories of her. She truely was a special lady. RIP carmen.
Dale Kison and JoAnn Kofford says
Carmen will be missed…what a smile and good heart
Jim & Noelle Dahle says
So, so very sorry to hear about Carmen. I just heard tonight about her passing…think I’m still in shock…I just mentioned to Noelle that I was wondering when we were going to see her in church again…man…Somewhere up in heaven is another Spanish Angel for sure…sure am going to miss her sweet smiles and hugs…love that lady…much love and hugs to all the families. R.I.P. my friend
Dawn Rowland Benjamin Hernandez says
So very sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. She will be greatly missed. We loved her as our own…
Duane and Sue Allred says
Carmen was great lady with a great sense of humor. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Liz and Wayne Dudley says
Carmen was one of the sweetest women I’ve ever met. Always saying hi to everyone with such a beautiful smile. I will miss seeing her around town.
God bless her family at this time.
Sharon & Del Dinstel says
We are so sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. She was an amazing lady that always made me feel special. She would greet me with a “hello”, smile and warm hug. We loved Carmen’s energy and enjoyed visiting with her. She always held her family close to her heart. Carmen lived her life fully, with zest, kindness, love, respect and most of all Fun! Definitely, going to miss you…you were such a Dear Lady.
Remembering the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Ray and Twila Loveridge says
Carmen always made us feel special because we truly are special to her. I met her when she worked at Culver’s and loved her spirited personality on the spot. Carmen brought love and laughter wherever she went and that was how she showed her love for us. Love you forever, dear, sweet Carmen. May God bless the Stenulson family with comfort and precious memories.❤️
Bridgette says
I remember Carmen from my childhood as we lived near her and her family. She never forgot who I was even though I was away for 8 years as an adult. When I returned to Colstrip, she had open arms just as when I was young. Recently, we shared the joke of who was bringing pizza to the basketball games. Years ago I had brought it in for my family and she teased about wanting a piece. When I gave her some she was thrilled. I will miss her smile, laugh, and teasing. Love to you all.
Tammy Venne says
Oh my word, Carmen, Carmen. What a sweetie pie. I’m truly going to miss Carmen. She was so much fun to kid around with in arts and crafts. Bumping into her around town with her buds. You were guaranteed a big hug and lots of love. God Bless all of those near and dear to Carmen
Terry currier says
As I read all these beautiful words spoken of Carmin, I realize it was not only me that she always made fell good when I seen her, but everyone! What a special lady she was! She definitely left her mark on the world, she touched everyone she met. RIP Carmin, although you will greatly be missed by all of us, you are in a beautiful place of peace and will always be in our hearts.
Jim & Diane Smith says
We will miss Carmen and the hot sauce dip she use to make for me, We will miss her smile and greatly miss her.
Pepi says
Soy Pepi sobrina de Carmen yo la recuerdo siempre con una sonrisa y alegre, esperaba volver a verla pero Dios no lo quiso ,toda la familia estamos muy apenados sus hermanas y sobrinas y hijos de las sobrinas ellos siempre la han tenido en su mente aunque algunos no la conocian, pero era como si hubiera estado entre nosotros siempre. Que Dios la tenga a su lado.
Robert & Lois Olmstead says
One of our most precious Colstrip treasures! What a heritage she leaves with her family and all of us! Thank you Jesus for Carmen.
Paula Stenulson Wells says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Carmem she was married to my uncle Gary for many years and what a sweet, caring ,wonderful lady with a heart of gold my sympathies to Carmens family and the Stenulson crew all our love ❤️R.I P our sweet angel Carmen?? Love the Stenulson / Wells?
DIANNA STENULSON says
GARY, GENE, GARLAND, &GERALD, I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOTHER . I LOVED HER MORE LIKE A REAL SISTER INSTEAD OF A SISTER-IN-LAW. SHE WAS ONE VERY PROUD MOTHER AND A VERY SWEET WOMEN . REST IN PEACE CARMEN , YOUR ANOTHER ANGEL .
Gary and dianne stenulson says
We would like to thank everyone for the lovely comments we will miss her deeply she was the best mom ever and the best mother-in-law ever my mom loved everyone thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers love you all…
Gerald & Barbara Schubert says
Gary, Gene, Garland & Gerald and the entire Stenulson family we are sad to hear of Carmen’s passing. We have many fond memories of Carmen and the Stenulson family from when they were living in Illinois. I remember taking Carmen out to the Hospital in Iowa City many times to visit Gary Sr. , not knowing if she would deliver Gerald on the way. I believe that Gerald is named after my husband and his brother Wayne. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. She truly was a wonderful lady.
Judy Taylor says
I couldn’t believe it, She was such a good friend and sweet and funny and such a good person, I was so sad to hear this, my prayers go out to her family. she will be missed by so many people.
David & Darlene McNay says
We will miss our good friend. She was always the first person to greet us at the Senior Center. We all loved her and send our prayers to her family
Keith Stenulson says
To all my nephews, so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. May she rest in peace! Thinking of all you at this time.
Robert & Suzie Ponce & family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Carmin was a special person and will be missed by all who new her.
Shirley Sommerfeld and My Dad Alfred Sommerfeld says
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of my very Dear Ole friend Carman. SHE was a very Dear friend of my Mama Fran Sommerfeld and I will NEVER FORGET HER Beautiful smile and her awsome since of humor she will be missed. My Love and prayers go out to My niece Aurora and her husband ,Carman’s grandson Kyle and the whole Stenulson Family.
Mariluz Fuentes Silva says
Soy Mariluz sobrina de Carmen, para nosotros siempre será mi tia Carmeluchi. Yo la trate poco porque se casó y se fue antes de que yo naciera, pero siempre la hemos tenido muy presente. Siempre hemos hablado mucho de ella y de todos mis primos, sus hijos. Sentimos mucho su pérdida, me acuerdo cuando vino a España en el año 1992. Lo pasamos muy bien, nos reímos mucho con ella y ella con nosotros. Fue la última vez que la vimos, pero nos queda ese maravilloso recuerdo de lo que la disfrutamos aunque fuera por última vez. Mandamos nuestro más sentido pésame a toda su familia de allí a sus hijos, nueras, nietos biznietos y a todas sus amistades que tanto la han querido. De parte de sus hermanas, sobrinas y toda la familia de España.Dios la tenga en su gloria y descanse en paz. Te queremos titaaaa.
Jackie Shaffer says
I will miss your smilling face and seeing you around town and your laugh
Ben and Thelma Lewis says
We are sad to hear of Carman’s passing. She was a wonderful person, we enjoyed her friendship, always smiling and caring. Truly, she is an angel… wish we could have visited one more time.
Dennis and Louise Davenport says
Such a sweet and loving lady that made us laugh and laugh.
Ken Stokes says
Sorry to hear of Carmens passing. She was truly a great lady and will be missed by all who knew her. Heaven has surely gained an angel.
Andrita Harris says
Gary, Gene, Garland and Gerald
My deepest Sympathy and Condolences to your FAMILY..
Larry & Mary Pattison says
So sorry for your loss, boys. Very fond memories of your mom, she was the best cleaning lady I ever had and I always loved her apple crumb pie at the Coal Bowl. Deepest sympathy!
Evelyb Bat;ey says
Such a great example of good. I gave her a ride home many times. She will be missed! I never heard her complain and I know her feet often hurt. She did not like going to the doctor.
She loved her family beyond measure. I will miss her alot.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
We are sincerely sorry for the loss of a truly beautiful woman inside and out. I will miss her wonderful spirit. She was so good to us. Many hugs to you all.