Melva Lou Birkich Carrera's Obituary
Our dear mother, Melva Lou Birkich Carrera, of Delray Beach, Florida, passed away on January 7, 2023, at the age of 81. Born in Ritchie County, West Virginia, she is predeceased by her father, Steven Brent Birkich; stepfather, Theodore Arden; and mother, Ethel Maxine Hughey Arden; and ex-husband, Virgilio Blanco. She is survived by her ex-husband and best friend, Isabelino Evaristo Carrera, of Entre Rios, Argentina; son, Victor Blanco (wife, Vanesa), of Homestead, Florida; daughter, Julianna Angelica Carrera (husband, Ricardo Romero), of St. Augustine, Florida; son, Paul Nickolas Carrera (wife, Christie Carrera), of St. Augustine, Florida; and daughter, Cristina Isabel Bowerman (husband, Joshua Bowerman), of Tigard, Oregon; her five grandchildren, Victoria Blanco Gonzalez (husband, Daniel Gonzalez), Michael Romero, Victor Sebastian Blanco, Sofia Carrera and Maximo Carrera; and two great grandchildren Alexie and Chloe Gonzalez.
Melva Lou moved to South Florida at a young age. She raised her family in Delray Beach where she owned and operated Mighty Maid Cleaning Service for many years. She was a devout Catholic who attended St. Vincent Ferrer Parish where her three youngest children attended school. She was known for her amazing cooking, passion for music and the arts, and great love of her family. Her favorite pastimes included working in her yard, doting on her beloved pets, listening to The Three Tenors, reading, and walking Delray Beach.
Melva Lou battled Alzheimer’s disease for 21 years and will be cremated and honored in a private ceremony for family and loved ones. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org) or The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (https://ASPCA.org).
A mass will be held at Hamlin & Hilbish Chapel in Eustis, Florida on Friday March 24, 2023, at 10 AM.
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