CARMEN P. LUCERO, 63 years old of Las Cruces, New Mexico passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Carmen was born July 16, 1963, in Las Cruces, New Mexico to Francisco and Consuelo Perez. From a young age she enjoyed being outside, playing with her siblings and spending family time. She attended Central elementary school, Court Jr High, Graduated from Las Cruces Highschool in 1981, and received her degree in business at New Mexico State University.

During this time, she met her future husband and the love of her life, Roberto Lucero. They dated seven years prior to their marriage in 1987, in the beautiful Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla New Mexico. Years later Carmen and Roberto welcomed two children, Steven and Eric Lucero. They both followed their sons’ interests in Baseball, hunting, and later in Diesel Performance and racing.

She loved watching her sons do what they love and was their biggest supporter. Traveling and Camping with her family was what brought her the most joy. Carmen worked at NMDA for thirteen years, until she lit her inspiration and desire to create “The Children’s Garden” in November of 1997 with her sister Lupe.

She loved her sister Lupe dearly and they worked side by side to achieve the same goals. From then on, Carmen devoted her life to expanding New Mexico childcare to a higher standard and providing a safe, fun and quality learning environment for children of all ages. Throughout the years they continued to expand the company to what it is today with six individual child development centers, with a seventh currently under new construction. It was always her dream and life goal to provide this community with the highest standard of childcare.

Carmen was an entrepreneur, an inspiration and a role model to everyone she met. In her later years, Carmen began a separate endeavor buying properties and building homes in Ruidoso, New Mexico. This led her to building her dream vacation home there, which she loved dearly.

She had a deep love for plants, pets, hummingbirds, frogs and the mountains, but most of all her family.

Carmen leaves behind her husband Roberto, her two sons Steven and Eric, her sister Lupe (Ernest), her brother Joe, and her pets Zophie, Ollie, Bogey, Nessy and Dopey. She also leaves behind the legacy she created and the impact she made to our community along with the love for her family.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10 AM Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina Street. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter with the Reverend Alejandro Reyes, Celebrant. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Garden Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue where she will be laid to rest in the family plot.

Serving as casket bearers will be Devon Arteche, Joe Lucero, Travis Renteria, Justin Lawrence, Daniel Nunez and Joe Perez. Honorary bearers will be Danny Lucero and Ernest Nevarez.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com