Carmen Irene Thennet

Carmen Irene Thennet (Cotita, Carmencita, Nenita), passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at her home in Fredericksburg, VA. She was 95 years old.

Carmen was born in Viña Del Mar, Chile. She grew up in Valparaiso and at a very young age knew she wanted to provide care to other people, especially children. In 1953, she got a Science in Nursing degree from University of Chile. She worked as a surgical nurse at the Municipal Hospital in Viña del Mar until 1957. In 1958, she moved to the United States of America and married August S. Thennet (Tito), her close friend from childhood. 

In America, she worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) at Temple Hospital in Los Angeles; Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach in CA; VA Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah; VA Hospital in Long Beach, CA; and the Sentara Bayside Hospital, in Virginia Beach, VA. She loved working as a nurse. She always enjoyed telling stories of her nursing companions and the children and little angels that crossed her path.

In 1966, Carmen and Tito welcomed their first child, Mike, her “tesorito” (little treasure). Their second child, Frances her “Francisquita” (little Frances), was born in 1968. Carmen nurtured both of them, as a dedicated, loving mother, her whole life.  She cared for and treated all of her children’s friends as if they were her own.

In 1985, due to her husband’s job with the U.S. Government, Carmen left her beloved nursing career to travel overseas, living in central Spain and coastal Italy, and eventually moving back to her country of origin, Chile. In 2000, Carmen and Tito returned to America to reunite with their children.

Carmencita was the sweetest, kindest, most caring, loving, and nurturing person one could ever meet. She was a super mom, supportive wife, kind aunt, and devoted nurse. She had the biggest and warmest smile and she always saw the positive side of everything and everybody. Carmen loved and kept in touch for years with her friends from nursing school; she loved to knit, crochet, sew, organize, and to spend time with her family.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Tito; and son Michael and his wife Marcela.

Carmen was preceded in death by her daughter, Frances.

Carmen will rest in everlasting peace at Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia. There will be a celebration of her life and private gathering at her house in Fredericksburg. We already miss her big heart, infectious laugh and pure soul, but we know there is a strong protective angel watching and caring for all us, as she always did.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.