Maria Carmen Izaguirre, a native of Tampico Tamaulipas, Mexico and a resident of Morgan City, was called to her heavenly home on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the age of 106, just shy six days of her 107th birthday.
Carmen was a trailblazer in every sense of the word—a pioneer in the restaurant industry and a revolutionary force in blending her rich Mexican heritage with the flavors of Louisiana. Her journey began in the 1960s in Utah, but with a keen sense of purpose and a heart full of ambition, she saw greater opportunity in Morgan City, Louisiana. There, she planted roots not just for herself, but for generations to come.
Carmen came to this country with a dream—to create a better life, and to fill a need with something deeply personal: her food. With passion and determination, she built a culinary empire that not only fed the community but inspired countless others. Through her guidance and example, many who worked with her went on to open restaurants of their own, carrying her legacy far beyond Morgan City.
Her kitchen was filled with love, laughter, and countless recipes—each one unforgettable. It would be impossible to choose a favorite, as each dish carried a piece of her soul. Carmen was fiercely proud of her roots and unafraid to speak her mind. Her candid nature, delivered with love and wisdom, made her a force to be respected and cherished.
But Carmen’s talents didn’t end in the kitchen. She was a dazzling dancer, having competed professionally in regional competitions, and her singing—often in harmony with her brother playing beside her—filled rooms with joy. She even graced the silver screen in several films, a glamorous and multi-talented woman whose zest for life was undeniable.
Carmen also knew how to enjoy herself. Whether spending time at the casino, dancing, enjoying her gin martini or simply being surrounded by loved ones, she believed in living life fully and joyfully. Her motto was “Never stop, keep going.” Her presence lit up every room, and her influence shaped not only the future of her family but also the culture of a community.
She leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, creativity, and unwavering love. Carmen’s story is one of perseverance, boldness, and heart. And though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in every dish, every song, every memory shared by those who were lucky enough to know her.
Everyone knew Carmen. And everyone loved her and will deeply miss her.
Those left to cherish Carmen’s beautiful memory is her son, Jose Luis Arias and wife, Guadalupe; her brother, Constancio Izaguirre and his wife, Elida; 12 grandchildren, Jose Luis Arias Jr. and his wife, Kristy, Rhonda Mann and her husband, Chris, Kristina Six and her husband, Jacob, and Luis Antonio Arias, Michael Izaguirre and his wife, Kristie, Maria G. Izaguirre, Carlos Izaguirre and his wife, Camille, and Stephen Izaguirre and his wife, Cheyenne, Arturo Rojas, Maria Del Carmen Hebert and her husband, Brandon, Juan Lopez, and David Lopez; 22 great grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren, and 6 great-great-great grandchildren, and numerous godchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Maria De Los Angeles Lopez; her son, Pascual Izaguirre; daughter-in-law, Mary L. Arias; her parents, Eduardo and Epifania Izaguirre; and five siblings, Maria Quintanilla, Petra Garcia, Elena Ramirez, Eduardo Izaguirre Jr., and Enriqueta Cervantes.
The family requests that a time of visitation and remembrance be observed on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Hargrave Funeral Home with a rosary being prayed at 8:30 pm. Visitation will resume on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 8:00 am until time of dismissal at 11:00 am at Hargrave Funeral Home with a rosary being prayed at 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Carmen on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 12 noon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial following in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City, Louisiana.