Carmen was a descendant of one of the original Basque settlers in San Juan Capistrano. Esteban Oyharzabal and Eugenie Harguindeguy emigrated from France, married and had two daughters, Carmen & Therese (deceased). She is survived by her niece Maria Carmen Rodriguez (daughter of Therese & Tom Rodriguez (deceased)). Her extended family remains in France.

The Oyharzabal ranch included cattle, sheep, walnut & fruit orchards. Carmen enjoyed tending the gardens and entertaining friends under the pepper tree, especially after a round up. She lived her entire life in an 1830 adobe purchased by Esteban in 1880. Her love for her community was evidenced by her generosity to individuals and organizations.

Carmen was humble and quiet about her gifts, never wanting attention or praise. She was especially fond of the Historical Society, Mission School, C.R.E.E.R, and Serra Pantry where she volunteered.

Carmen attended the Mission School and later Marywood Academy in Anaheim. She graduated from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing where she worked for more than thirty years. Carmen held many offices in the California Nurses Association and was instrumental in starting the Catholic Nurses Association of Orange County.

Funeral Mass April 25, 2024 at 10:00 AM Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano 31520 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Interment at a later date will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery 4201 Whittier Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023

Donations in Carmen’s name may be made to: St. Joseph Health/Hospice www.stjosephhomehealth.org/hospice 200 W. Center St. Promenade Suite 200B Anaheim, CA 92805