Elizabeth “Nitzy”
Marie Carabajal
Elizabeth “Nitzy” Carabajal of Mesa, AZ, born on July 22, 1972, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on September 21, 2026. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years Deacon James Carabajal; her children Michelle Carabajal, Christian Carabajal, Marianna Greuel (husband Tyler Greuel), Josephine Carabajal, and Elizabeth Carabajal; her granddaughter Miriam Carabajal; her parents Toby and Mary Ann Michael; her siblings Georgia Michael (husband Dave Pulliam), Mike Michael, and Mary Jo Vandiver (husband Bob Vandiver); sisters-in-law Kathy Chavez (husband Randy Chavez), and Victoria Trujillo; three nieces, six nephews, and two great nephews all of whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Mike and Josephine Michael, and George and Mary Raap; her brothers Frederick Michael and J.T. Michael; and her father and mother-in-law Elfigo and Adelina Carabajal.
Nitzy was born and raised in Grants, N.M., graduated from Grants High School, attended the University of New Mexico and last lived in Mesa, AZ. She was a devout Catholic and a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. She was a social butterfly, shopper extraordinaire, avid Swatch collector, and a favorite visitor to the New Mexico State Legislature in the 1980’s when her father was in the majority leader in the House of Representatives. Last, but not least, she was cancer’s worst enemy, fighting it to the end.
Her services are as follows in Mesa, AZ: Vigil and Rosary: October 6, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home. Funeral Mass and Reception: October 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church. Entombment: October 7, 2026 at 1:30 p.m., St. Charbel Mausoleum at Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Catholic Community Foundation in the Diocese of Phoenix 480-651-8808.