Carmen graduated from high school in Whitefish, Montana, United States.
Secretary to cartographers United States Army Topographic Command, Washington, 1970-1971. Secretary department installment loan Valley Bank, Kalispell, Montana, 1971-1974. Secretary to civil engineer United States Air Force, Lakeside, 1974-1977.
Accountant Mel Dutcher, Certified Public Accountant, Caseville, Michigan, 1979-1980. Customer service representative Ann Arbor (Michigan) Trust, 1980-1982. With department investments Valley Bank, Clarkston, Washington, 1984-1986.
Office manager D & S Electric, Incorporated, 1986-1987. Manager operations Station KLSR-television, Eugene, Oregon, 1987-1990, program director, 1990-1993. Administrative assistant engineering department Hilton Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa, Hawaii, since 1994.
Facilitator Station KLSR-television, Eugene, 1987-1993.
Carmen is the daughter of Donald L. Grende and Mary Joeda (Collogan) Brownell. Children: Stephanie Marie, Diana Lee.