MCKINNON, CARMEN MARY, age 86 of Auburn Hills, went home on Thursday, January 14, 2021. She was born on August 29, 1934 in El Paso County, Colorado. Carmen will be remembered for her caring nature and selflessness; she was willing to give to anyone who needed her help. Carmen loved her babies, who would always call her “Abuelita”. Carmen made the best tostadas and she especially loved family gatherings where she could cook her tostadas and Spanish rice. In her free time, Carmen enjoyed crocheting, going to casinos, and watching cartoons. Carmen had worked at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital for over 40 years until she had reached the age of 78. During her time at St. Joe’s, Carmen had earned her CSR certification to become a CSR technician. After retiring from St. Joe’s, Carmen continued to volunteer at the hospital whenever possible. Carmen was strong in her Catholic faith and she made sure that she said the rosary every day. Carmen is survived by her seven children: Deborah (Kurt) Bachmann, Pamela Celmer, James Joseph McKinnon, Patricia (Jack) Cole, Cynthia (Lawrence Nelson) Faulkner, John James (Mary) McKinnon, Jamie (Mike) McKinnon-McCaslin; her siblings: Mercy, Mary, Julia, Pauline, Esther; her grandchildren: Jessica Dziensinski, Vincent (Lisa) McKinnon, Nicole (Nate) McIntyre, Brian (Amanda) Celmer, James Joseph McKinnon, Marie Rose (Wyatt) McKinnon, Angel Patricia (Paul) Gratopp, Kristen (Joe) Malone, Matthew Faulkner, John Joseph (Shandra) McKinnon, Amy (Brad) Holmes, Angela (Jordan) Peters, Danelle (Blaise) Chamberlin, and Stephanie Rae Turcotte; 20 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Carmen was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, James Vincent McKinnon; her parents, Jose and Jesus Castro; and her granddaughter, Jennifer Garrett. Please keep Carmen and her friends and family in your thoughts and prayers during this time. Donations can be made in Carmen and James McKinnon’s name to the VFW Post 1370.