Carmen A. Lares

Carmen A. Lares, age 93, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 16, 2016.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Lucas; sons, Marcario, and Daniel; granddaughter, Nora.  She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Eve and Richard Ortega, Jane Lares, Tomas and Elvira Lares, Longina and Raymond Vera, Carmen and Felipe Acevedo, Elias and Kim Lares, Aurelia and John Catzere, Noemi Hann, Teodoro and Delores Lares, Esther and Phil Chamberlain, Eliseo and Gina Lares, Mellie and Dan O’Brien; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Elena Alvarado, Leonor Alvarado, Maria Alicia Alvarado; many nieces and nephews.  Carmen left a godly heritage best described by perseverance and faith as she and Lucas raised 14 children. This legacy continues with 45 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday 11 am at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW.  Interment Kent Memorial Gardens.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the funeral home.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice.