Ana Karen Candelaria Obituary: Beloved Phoenix Makeup Artist and Mother Remembered for Her Love, Light, and Legacy
PHOENIX, AZ — April 2025 — The beauty community and countless families across Arizona and Texas are mourning the untimely and heartbreaking passing of Ana Karen Candelaria, a beloved wife, mother, and professional makeup artist widely known through her platform @anakr_makeupartist. Ana Karen, a vibrant and passionate creative spirit, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and beauty that touched the lives of many.
Ana Karen Candelaria was based in Phoenix, Arizona, and worked across El Paso and surrounding regions, offering makeup services that empowered women and highlighted natural beauty. She had a significant presence in the beauty and personal care industry, amassing 13.8K followers on Instagram and touching lives far beyond her immediate community through her artistry, warmth, and professionalism.
Her sudden death has left a profound void, particularly in the lives of her husband, José Manuel, and their three beautiful children, who are now facing an unimaginable future without the guidance, laughter, and unconditional love of their devoted wife and mother. Ana Karen’s passing has not only inflicted deep emotional wounds on her family but has also placed them under significant financial pressure as they work to lay her to rest with dignity and care.
In the wake of this tragic loss, friends, family, and clients have rallied to support Ana Karen’s family through a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Lay Ana Karen Candelaria to Rest”, organized by Mitzel Aveytia of El Paso, TX, with Ester Hernandez as co-organizer. The fundraiser aims to assist in covering funeral and transportation costs as Ana Karen is returned to her final resting place in Phoenix.
The campaign has received an outpouring of love and generosity from community members, clients, and fellow beauty professionals, highlighting just how impactful Ana Karen was to those around her. The family has since increased the fundraising goal, recognizing additional expenses that may arise as they navigate life without her.
Ana Karen was known not only for her stunning artistry with a makeup brush but also for her warm personality, radiant smile, and genuine heart. She frequently traveled to serve clients across different states, leaving lasting impressions with her attention to detail and kind spirit. Whether she was glamming up brides, preparing clients for special occasions, or offering one-on-one sessions, Ana Karen made each person feel uniquely seen and celebrated.
Her dedication to her craft and clients reflected a deep commitment to uplifting others—an energy that extended into her personal life as a mother and wife. She was the anchor of her home, the heart of her family, and a source of light to everyone she encountered.
Ana Karen Candelaria is survived by her loving husband, José Manuel, and their three young children, whose names have been respectfully withheld for privacy. She is also survived by a close-knit circle of family members and friends, who remain united in their grief and committed to honoring her memory through love and continued support for her children.
The sudden passing of Ana Karen has reminded all who knew her of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love and community. Her presence will continue to live on through her family, her work, and the thousands she inspired.
For those who wish to contribute or share support, donations can be made via the official GoFundMe campaign [Help Lay Ana Karen Candelaria to Rest].
