Carmen N. Chesney, 96, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2023. Carmen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Dr. Miguel and Victoria Romera-Navarro. Her father, an internationally- recognized scholar and author, was a professor of Spanish literature at the University of Pennsylvania and later at the University of Texas at Austin. Her mother was a co-author and advisor on several Spanish language textbooks.

Carmen had an enjoyable childhood traveling with her family throughout Europe and visiting relatives in Spain. She graduated from St. Leonard's Academy for girls in Philadelphia and attended the University of Pennsylvania where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She later transferred to the University of Texas at Austin and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Spanish and French.

After graduating, she was employed as a Bilingual Medical Administrator to the Director of Wyeth International in Philadelphia. Later she worked as Administrator to the Dean of Women at the University of Texas in Austin. There she met the love of her life, Michael Chesney, a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, who was completing his Engineering Degree. They were married in Austin in 1959 and shared 55 beautiful years together until Michael passed in 2014. They were blessed with two loving daughters, Karen Anne and Carol Lynne. Carmen was active in the Air Force Officers' Wives Club, Family Services, Religious Education, and Girl Scouts. Her exceptional leadership and accomplishments in these organizations were recognized, as she was often selected as Outstanding Volunteer.

After Michael retired as a Lt. Colonel from the U.S. Air Force, completed his PhD in Economics, and commenced teaching at the University of Texas, Carmen became involved in University activities. She loved dancing, hosting bridge parties, gardening, floral design, arts & crafts, reading and staying informed in current events. She was also active in various Catholic Church parishes throughout her life.

Carmen was a devoted daughter, dedicated wife, loving mother, generous grandmother, and best friend to her sister. She treasured her many U.S. Air Force, University, Onion Creek Club, and St. John Neumann friendships. She was an incredibly loving, appreciative, humble, and compassionate person - always willing to help others while actively involved in charitable organizations. She was known as "Sweet Carmen", whose smile warmed hearts. Her graciousness, Christian spirit, and quiet strength were examples for all and true inspirations for her daughters. She will always be remembered as a beautiful woman with the most precious soul.

Her daughters wish to acknowledge Fr. Dean Wilhelm, Pastor; Fr. Kris Aneke, MSP, Associate Pastor; and the Communion Service Team of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. The love, prayers, and support they provided allowed Carmen to continue to practice her Catholic faith throughout her final years. Her daughters are appreciative to the Plaza team at Querencia at Barton Creek and also wish to express their utmost gratitude to Carmen's Halcyon Home companions, especially her primary long term angels Marie Estrada, Sharon Shank, & Gwen Dotson.

She is survived by her daughters Karen Anne Miles of San Antonio, TX; Carol Lynne McPhaul of Austin, TX; grandson Barrett McPhaul (Shelby) of Austin, TX; three step-grandchildren Daniel Miles (Patrick Murtagh) of New York, NY, Nicole Miles of Los Angeles, CA, and Dr. Lauren Miles of Dallas, TX; two nieces Ana Lisa of Davis, CA, and Maria Lane (David) and sons Hazen & Evan of Aptos, CA; and a nephew Robert Hopkins (Hai Ying) of Beijing, China. In addition to being predeceased by her husband Michael T. Chesney, she is also predeceased by both her sons-in-law Ross A. Miles and John V. McPhaul, as well as her sister Victoria N. Hopkins and brother-in-law Robert H. Hopkins.

A Visitation and Reception will be held at 5:30 PM and followed by a Rosary at 7 PM on Monday, January 30, 2023, at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin,TX. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 5455 Bee Cave Rd., Austin, TX 78746.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Neumann Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.