Carmen Lizarralde de Ferran of Swarthmore, PA passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 11, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and grew up there with her four brothers. She came to Swarthmore in 2017 for her grandson’s graduation from Swarthmore College and was unable to returnContinue Reading
Carmen Lizarralde De Ferran
December 20, 1930 - July 11, 2024
Carmen Lizarralde de Ferran of Swarthmore, PA passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 11, 2024, at the age of 93.
She was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and grew up there with her four brothers. She came to Swarthmore in 2017 for her grandson’s graduation from Swarthmore College and was unable to return to her native country due to the political and economic upheaval there.
Carmen was an administrative assistant in the Venezuelan government before devoting her time to raising her four children: Victor J. Ferran; Dr. Claudia M. Ferran; Jorge E. Ferran, and Ricardo J. Ferran. As the wife of a Venezuelan diplomat, Carmen and her family lived in numerous cities: Liverpool, San Juan, Lisbon, Le Havre, Houston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.
A spirited woman who loved her native Venezuela, “Carmencita” remained passionate about Venezuelan politics and the recent political upheavals there. She enjoyed attending Catholic services and keeping up with her many siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews spread throughout the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. She particularly enjoyed spending time with her grandson, Daniel Banko-Ferran.
Carmen was pre-deceased by her husband Victor and her son Victor Jose.
She is survived by her three children Claudia, Jorge and Ricardo, her son-in-law James R. Banko, and her grandson Daniel J. Banko-Ferran. The family will be holding a private service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House – https://www.rmhcphilly.org/donate/ – in her honor.
