Carmen Ybarra Portillo, 88, passed away on April 14, 2020. She earned her BA in Education from then Arizona State College, returning later to ASU earning her Masters in Special Education and endorsements in Bilingual/ESL Adult Education. Carmen taught and mentored for 50 years in a variety of subjects and directing Head Start programs. School districts Carmen taught in were Litchfield Park, Wilcox, San Simon, Cashion, Wilson and Glendale. Twenty-two years into her teaching profession, she found a deeper calling in the Special Education field and was one of Arizona's first certified Bilingual/ESL Special Education teachers. After 18 more years, ASU asked Carmen to teach and inspire young teachers going into Special Education. Her dedication to teaching helped produce another generation of Bilingual Special Education teachers.

Carmen was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Women Educators (50 plus years!), the National Education Association, Arizona Education Association and the National Association for Bilingual Education.

Carmen is survived by two children, two granddaughters, her dear friend and companion, Mike Caviasca, six nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Three sisters preceded her in death. Due to the COVID-19, services were held privately per the guidelines in place. The family plans to celebrate Carmen’s life at a future date once it is possible. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support some causes dear to Carmen: a scholarship fund named for her sister, the Dr. Frances Y. Amabisca Scholarship for Avondale Elementary Schools and Andre House  (Source: Arizona Republic)