Carmen Hulbert Rilovich

Carmen Hulbert Rilovich was called to Heaven on September 20, 2022, at the age of 99. She passed away peacefully at Wesley House in La Selva Beach, where she resided the past three years and received wonderful care. Carmen was blessed with loving family and close friends by her side in her last days.

Carmen Charlotte Hulbert was born on February 6, 1923, in Fresno, California. She was the only child of Mildred and Floyd Hulbert. Affectionately known as "Snooks" or "Snooky" by family and old friends, Carmen grew up in Georgetown and Fresno, California and lived in the Philippines as a teenager. She attended Fresno State and was voted the Armistice Day Parade Fete Queen. She led a fascinating early life and both educated and entertained family and friends with stories from her childhood.

After Fresno State, Carmen came to Watsonville, where she met the love of her life George Rilovich. They wed in June 1943 and were married for 54 years before his passing in 1997. They raised their children Carol, Janet, and Mark here and developed close and lasting friendships. So many wonderful meals and barbeques were shared at their home.

Carmen was a devout member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church for over 70 years. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, needlepointing, and gardening and was always eager to teach her skills to others. A fabulous cook, she was especially famous for her apple pie. She was also a second mother to many, always baking special birthday cakes and knitting beautiful baby blankets and sweaters for loved ones.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband George Rilovich, first child Maria Frances (died at birth), mother, Tillie (Mildred) Lindberg and loving stepfather Simon Lindberg, and father, Floyd Hulbert.

She is survived by her cherished family: children Carol Saveria (Frank), Janet Rilovich, and Mark Rilovich; grandchildren Arianna Oakes (Andrew), Niko Rilovich (Tessa), and Tracy Saveria Fuehrer (Alex); and great-grandchildren Soren Fuehrer, Josephine Fuehrer, and Augustus Oakes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Valley Catholic Church in Watsonville. Gravesite burial will immediately follow at Valley Cemetery. Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project, St. Francis High School, or the charity of your choice.

Published in The Pajaronian · September 30, 2022