Obituary of Carmel G. Mortenson

Carmel G. Mortenson was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on June 26, 2017 in Colorado Springs, at the age of 47. She fought a courageous battle against Melanoma Cancer valiantly, and was surrounded by love and family at the time of her death. Carmel was born on November 13, 1969 in Chicago, Illinois to Edward O'Connor and Kathleen O'Connor. At the age of six, her mom moved the family back to her hometown of Killorglin, Co. Kerry, Ireland, where Carmel grew up and attended school. At the age of eighteen, Carmel and her family moved to Colorado, where she remained until her death. Her adult years were spent between Colorado Springs and Westcliffe, Colorado. A big piece of her heart also remained in Killorglin, Ireland all of her life. Carmel married Eric Mortenson in Colorado Springs, Colorado on September 2, 1995. Together, they had two children, Tori and Patrick. Carmel is survived by her spouse, Eric; her two children, Victoria Nordyke and Patrick Mortenson; her two grandsons, Bentley and Cooper Nordyke; and her son-in-law, Cole Nordyke. Carmel is also survived by her siblings, Maureen Fink (Ohio), Patrick O'Connor (Westcliffe), Christine Byrne (England), Catherine O'Connor (Colorado Springs), Sean O'Connor (Louisiana), Elizabeth Wilson (Monument), and Erin O'Connor (Washington), along with their spouses and families. Carmel has twenty-seven living nieces and nephews, and sixteen grand-nieces/nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Kathleen.Carmel, at a young age, had a flare for singing, dancing, and putting on a show. She was involved in many productions in Killorglin. This helped pave the way for what would eventually become her career, when she moved to America, and became a ballroom dance instructor. Also, in her early years, Carmel was very involved in her church and sang in the choir. This also carried over to her adult life, where she directed the Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church choir for many years. She served as the secretary there as well. Carmel loved the Lord and devoted her time throughout her life to volunteer and serve him daily. Carmel also came from a very large family, and she always put her family above herself. Whether it was a holiday meal to host, throwing birthday parties for her children and grandsons, or taking in anyone who needed a place to stay, she would welcome them into her home with open arms. If there was an opportunity to gather friends and family together, Carmel seized the opportunity. You could count on her to liven up any party or occasion she was involved with. Her exciting personality and creativity was coveted.Carmel wore many hats. She worked with special needs children, volunteered in ministries and at the school her children attended, but for much of her time, she was primarily a stay at home mom, and there provided a loving, safe, happy home, full of life. As her children grew up, she returned to her profession as a ballroom dance instructor. There she gained her dance family. Carmel could always be found encouraging, listening to, or helping anyone who crossed her path. Her passion was to love people and teach them to love themselves. Carmel lived fiercely no matter the battle she was facing. There was always a way to make the seemingly impossible happen. She jet-setted across oceans to explore with her husband, be with loved ones in moments of grief or joy in her home town, making sure she was there for her grandsons' births across the country, traveling to every sports event for her son, and being his biggest cheerleader in all he did. Nothing could stand in her way when she put her mind to it. Carmel will be sorely missed by so many. She exuded Christ's love, light, and grace. We will be celebrating her life with a Funeral Mass that will take place, 10:00AM, Friday, June 30, 2017 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918, followed by a reception at the Church.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Friday, June 30, 2017 10:00AM St. Patrick Catholic Church 6455 Brook Park Drive Colorado Springs,, CO 80918 Phone: 719-598-3595