- Date Of Birth: December 20, 1939
- Date Of Death: December 10, 2021
- State: New Mexico
Carol Lovato, 81, died peacefully at home on Friday, December 10, 2021 with her daughter and granddaughters by her side.
She was preceded in death by her son Carlos Lovato.
Carol is survived by her only daughter Martha Celia Amedi and three granddaughters: Dasi Amedi, Ella Amedi, and Liel Amedi.
Mama Carol was a force of nature. Born in Chicago to a military family, her father, Charles, was a colonel in the army. Carol found the military lifestyle hard and unrelenting, struggling to find her identity in the 13 schools she attended.
Her favorite childhood memories involved talking about current events and listening to her father’s soldier stories. “My father was probably the one who taught me how to stay agile on my feet, and not be caught flat-footed in the face of the unexpected.” His knowledge and understanding of issues would be the trigger to Carol’s deep interest in history. An unsatisfying civics class– taught by a lazy and narcissistic football coach– further cemented her resolve to teach history and teach it effectively.
Carol found her purpose and soul’s happiness teaching U.S. and world history at Albuquerque High School. She was an educator for 30 years, and fondly remembered the old AHS on Broadway. Thousands of students would come through her doors and many have shared how their lives were changed by her enthusiastic teaching style. “There is a universe that exists between teacher and class, a raw beauty that can only be faced head on,” wrote Carol.
Carol’s passion for history was infectious.
After retiring, Carol spent more time playing the piano and violin. She joined musical ensembles and got great joy from performing Bach, Beethoven and Dvorak. Two of her granddaughters inherited their grandma’s love of piano playing at an early age. Dasi and Liel thrived under grandma’s tutelage. She was so proud of her granddaughters. Dasi got the rare opportunity to play a Mozart Concerto with a full orchestra. These were the moments that grandma Carol lived for– seeing the girls at the piano, or watching her other granddaughter Ella twirl variations in her ballet shoes. As the years rolled by grandma Carol continued to teach them how to be responsible citizens, take care of others, be aware of events in the world, and of course, never forget to vote.
Mama Carol was a pure and remarkable human being. She was our anchor and our steady force of reason. A fierce supporter and protector of her family, Carol was the matriarch and the glue that held us all together. We are honored to have been surrounded by her light and love. The Amedi girls, her wide circle of friends, and former students will miss her dearly.
