Maria Carlota Carnicle of Strawberry Point
Maria Carlota Carnicle, passed away peacefully at the Edgewood Convalescent Home on November 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, just two days shy of her 98th birthday.
Maria Carlota Canizales de Esparza was born November 4, 1928, to Guadalupe Esparza and Manuel Canizales in Monterrey, Mexico. She was the fifth of six children, growing up alongside her beloved siblings: Maria Thomasa, Manuela, Gregorio, Paulina, and Gloria. As a child, she attended Escuela Primaria Federal Francisco I. Madero until age 12, followed by two years of night school to further her education.
The family lost their father when Maria was only nine years old. Shortly after, her sister Manuela passed away at age 17, and her brother Gregorio also died at a young age. These early losses deeply influenced her lifelong appreciation and devotion to family. To the end of her life, she spoke of her passed siblings, parents, and husband with vivid love and memory.
At age 15, Maria went to work at Troqueles y Esmaltes in Monterrey, one of Mexico's premier manufacturers of traditional enamelware. She fondly remembered the process of applying floral decals to the products and often shared stories from her youth.
In 1950, Maria was blessed with her first child, her son Raul. Though she later moved to the United States, Raul remained deep in her heart, as shown by her frequent trips back to Mexico. Her final visit was at age 94 to view the mountains of Monterrey, visit family, and revisit the places of her youth.
In 1956, her employer sent Maria and her sister to work in Brownsville, Texas. A year later, she had a chance encounter with a young man from Iowa who was wintering in Texas and staying across the courtyard from her. On March 13, 1958, Maria married Donald Earl Carnicle Sr. at the First Presbyterian Church in Brownsville.
Moving to Iowa began a new chapter, where Maria spent two years becoming fluent in English. Together, Maria and Donald had five children: Mary, Marla, Don Jr., Ron, and Michele. As her children grew, Maria worked at the family store in Strawberry Point, Don's Shoes & Clothing. Following Don's retirement, she worked at the Berry Bowl and the Lutheran Home, making a lasting impression on everyone she met. In 1972, she proudly became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Maria also loved to travel and rarely passed up an opportunity for a new adventure. Her travels took her to New York, Las Vegas, California, Niagara Falls, Australia, and many other places throughout Mexico and around the world. No matter how far she traveled, Monterrey always held a special place in her heart.
Raising her children was Maria’s true passion, which extended to caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She often said she didn't need friends because she had her family.
Maria was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and her faith in God was a constant source of strength and comfort throughout her life. That faith was woven into the way she cared for the people she loved. She often ended a goodbye with the simple blessing, “God go with you.”
In her youth, she loved going to dances, laughing about how her mother chaperoned and would fall asleep in the corner while Maria danced until the band packed up. She also loved the excitement of visits to the casino. "Tamale Day" was a cherished tradition where everyone was given a job, allowing her to keep her family busy while sharing stories around the table.
Left to cherish her memory are her six children: Raul (MariaElva) Gonzalez of Monterrey, Mexico; Mary (Robb) Miller of Strawberry Point, IA; Marla (Harvey) Sollberger of Strawberry Point, IA; Don Jr. (Cathy) Carnicle of Mackinaw, IL; Ron Carnicle of Strawberry Point, IA; and Michele (Leland) Adams of Pella, IA.
She is also survived by 20 grandchildren: Leopoldo, Rolando, Rene, Ricardo, Linda Michelle, Richard, Chris, Eric, Donnie, Kristina, Teri, Joseph, MaryKate, Jacob, John Matthew, John, Jimmy, Traci, Trisha, and Adam; her 33 great-grandchildren: Grecia, Raul, Marcella, Rebeca Valentina, Noe, Dane, Kendyn, Conner, Cael, Clayton, Grace, Gabbie, Henry, Aryka, Natalie, Dylan, Elliott, Tristan, Harlowe, Syrus, Nikolai, Aella, Joshua, Cameron, Adysin, Aydin, Damion, Michael, Daysie, Marcus, Iverson, Illias, Noah; her 2 great-great-grandchildren: Oliver and Aurora; and many extended family members both in the United States and Mexico.
The family extends their sincere thanks to Dr. May and the staff at Regional Medical Center for their exceptional care. Additionally, our heartfelt gratitude goes to the staff at Edgewood Convalescent Home for the kindness, warmth, and compassion provided to Maria during her time there.
To live such a full and long life is a blessing. In honor of Maria, take the trip, dance until closing, go to the casino, have fun, and cherish your family.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.
A private family service will be held on Friday, November 6th, at the Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point, IA. Afterwards, she will be laid to rest alongside her husband at the Ross Cemetery.
