Carmen Escarzaga, age 65 passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois surrounded by her loving family. Matriarch of her family; Cherished mother of: Elizabeth Escarzaga, Sonia Sanchez, Laura Escarzaga and Hector Escarzaga, loving grandmother of: Michael Angelo Escarzaga, Alex Escarzaga, Nicole Escamilla, Lilian Lopez, Amaly Escarzaga, Elijah Escamilla, Julian Escarzaga, Israel Escamilla, Adan Sanchez, Giovanni Escarzaga, Regina Sanchez, Andy Sanchez, Vidabella Villarreal and three beautiful great grandchildren Isabel, Julian and Sebastian Escarzaga and long time companion of her beloved.
Ms. Carmen Escarzaga known to her students as “Maestra Carmen” was a devoted cosmetology instructor who dedicated her life to her students, customers and family. Ms. Carmen has been a Cosmetology Instructor, a business owner, a life coach, a mentor and loving mother. She died doing what she loves best “Cutting Hair.” From a young age her life long dream was to be a hair stylist. Through hard work and many struggles she made her dream come true. Not only becoming a hair stylist but also a Cosmetology Instructor. For the last 25 years she taught at Truman College, one of the City of Chicago Colleges, graduating many students who successfully became registered cosmetologists and many who have thrived as business owners themselves. Ms. Carmen, was very passionate in sharing her love of education and shared her knowledge through Continuing Education. She was loved by all who knew her and had the magic of making people feel and look beautiful for over 35 years. She never denied anyone the honor of creating magic with her hands.
Ms. Carmen was a true pillar of her community. She was a successful business women who owned and operated Liz Beauty Salon located on 18thStreet in Pilsen for over three decades. She had multiple business including 2 Beauty Schools and 5 salons through her short life.
Over the course of her Cosmetology career she has won multiple trophies from many hair shows including 2nd place in the Proud Lady Hair Competition. Countless recognition awards for her community service in donating free hair cuts to multiple organizations including Casas Americas, Lyndin House, many Senior Citizen homes, and countless back to school events through out the city of Chicago.
Ms. Carmen, was a devoted longtime companion, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who cherished every moment with her family and spreading her love, time, and devotion to making people feel beautiful.
Visitation: Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at St. Adalbert Church, 1650 West 17th Street, Chicago, IL 60608 Lying in state from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Funeral mass to begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Interment: Private.
