Fifty years ago, our dad and mom, Jess Richard Carmona and Lupe Villafana, vowed to each other, "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death due us part" and that they have.

It all started in 1957 when they went on a double date while our dad was on leave from the U.S. Army in.

A year later on Aug. 9, 1958, they were married at Santa Rosa Church in San Fernando.Theybegan having childrena year later with my brother Richard, my sisters, Lilly and Lorrie, my brother Jerry, me, Loretta, and twentyfour years later stopped with my baby brother, James. The also have one son-in-law, two daughter-in-laws, thirteen grandchildren,eleven great grand-children with more on the way.

My parents were both born and raised us in the San Fernando Valley until 2005, when they moved to Lancaster.

While raising us, my parents managed to accomplish many things. They were both a big part of Mary Immaculate Church.

My mom was a Catacism teacher and was also a big part of the MEND program.

My dad was president of the Little League and was in charge of organizing the fiestas, spending long hours from start to finish.

Both of them were Eucharistic ministers. They did everything possible to befriend and help anyone they met.

My parents both worked full-time jobs and still had plenty of time for us. As a family, we shared lots of good timesand memories will never be forgotten!


My dad worked at General Motors in Van Nuys until the plant was finally closed and then moved to different locations in the latter years of his career.

He was the president of the Local UAW 6645. He finally retired in 1993 after 46 and half years of dedicated service.

My mom worked at Allied Bendix but in 1988 she was taken to the emergency room and diagnosed with an aneurysm.

Surgery was done, but during recovery she suffered a stroke that paralyzed her right side of body. Throughout the next couple of years, there were numerous times that she was hospitalized and her doctor said she wouldn't make it through the night!

Not only did she make it, she is still with us today! In 1989, my mom retired due to the aneurysm. Thoughout the years, my dad never gave up on her and neither have we!

For their 25th anniversary in 1983, they renewed their wedding vows. While we had planned for them to renew their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 9, 2008 we had to postpone it until Dec. 6,2008 because my baby brother, Sgt. James R. Carmona, is in the U.S. Army, serving his second tour in Iraq.

Having both our parents still alive and together is a not only a blessing, but something for all of us to admire! Thank you for the love and support you have given all of us throughout the years! We, the Carmona children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren congratulate you both on your 50 years of marriage!