She was born to the late Rafael Vazquez and Maria Teresa Hernandez, October 20, 1934, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Carmen, fondly known as “Teresita,” to family graduated from Central High School in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1952 and received a BSS from the University of Puerto Rico in 1956.
In 1966, Carmen moved to Washington, DC to take classes at George Washington University. A few years later, she met her husband, John Ray Love from Florala, Alabama at a dance in DC.
He asked her to dance, she laughed at his name and the rest is history. Carmen, known as “Terry” to John, officially became his true Love in marriage on May 7, 1971 in Puerto Rico. They were married for fifty years and raised their family in Arlington. Carmen is survived by her husband: John Ray Love and two children: Cristina Teresa Lucas, of Arlington and Johnny Rafael Love of Charlottesville. She is also survived by six grandchildren, her dear sister, Zulma Vazquez Hernandez and brother, Rafael "Rafito" Vazquez and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Carmen was a bilingual genius, speaking fluent English and Spanish in all of her accomplished life. She worked for General Motors and Rodriguez Army Hospital in Puerto Rico; and Pan American Health Organization in Washington, DC using her gift of language. She also worked as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher’s aide for the Arlington Employment Training Center helping students with vocational studies.
She was an avid Catholic that attended The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington and raised her children in the best Catholic schools in the area and college. Staying home to care for her family was her priority. She dedicated her life to her husband and children, sewing in her spare time – making beautiful clothing, dresses and curtains, volunteering at her children's school and civic association, attending shows at the Kennedy Center, loving her kitty cats and enjoying time with her grandchildren who adored her.
Carmen was a class act. A true beauty. Smart, strong and proud. Known as “The Cool Lady,” by her children, she often said: "Nothing in life is eternal. Let go and let God...He has a plan." We’re thankful God’s plan gave us Carmen Teresa Love. Que en paz descanse mi amor.
A chapel service officiated by Fr. Kevin Dansereau from Saint Thomas More will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021 from 9:00-10AM at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201. A graveside service will follow from 10-10:30 AM with a light breakfast reception onsite, to which all our welcome.
"From the Family"
The Love family appreciates your kind words and support.
If you plan to attend Carmen's service, please wear a mask.
The chapel is limited to 25 people. However, doors will be opened
to accommodate more. There is no limit to the graveside service.
Any flowers ordered should be sent to Columbia Gardens Cemetery by 8:00 AM. Flowers can be arranged via this link: https://www.1800flowers.com/fhdirect?LocNumber=1143&mId=10123421&activityId=13476004&campaign_id=obituaryservices_english&referrer=admin.mem.com
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