Maria Carmen Vega

Maria “Carmen”` Vega, beloved wife, mother, and pillar of her community, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026 at the age of 90. Born on September 26, 1935, in Madrid, Spain, Carmen grew up surrounded by the culture and traditions that shaped her lifelong love of people and learning.

While living in Spain, she met the love of her life, Julio Vega, an Air Force service member stationed overseas. They married on February 28, 1959, and soon after began their life together in New York. Their partnership was defined by devotion — to each other, to their growing family, and to the community they embraced as home.

Carmen and Julio were lifelong residents of Setauket, New York and recently relocated to Dallas. Carmen was one of the first ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers in the Huntington School District where she taught for 20 years. She dedicated countless hours to tutoring families, empowering newcomers, and helping them find confidence in a new language and culture. Her work extended far beyond the classroom. Carmen was known for going above and beyond to support those around her — quietly delivering clothing, food, and other essentials to families facing hardship. She never sought recognition; she simply believed that no one in her community should struggle alone.

Together, Carmen and Julio were steadfast in their commitment to service. Whether volunteering, organizing support for neighbors, contributing behind the scenes to charities and events, or offering a warm meal and a listening ear, they lived their values with humility and grace.

Above all, Carmen was a devoted mother to her four children. She led with patience, kindness, and a gentle strength that shaped the lives around her. She never spoke an unkind word about anyone and carried herself with a generosity of spirit that made people feel seen, welcomed, and loved.

Carmen is survived by her husband, Julio; her children, Carmen (Frank) Maloney, Julio, Patricia (David) Smith, and Lydia (Tom) Lacoste; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; her brother Antonio Gomez; and a multitude of nieces and nephews in Spain and Puerto Rico.

Carmen is preceded in death by her parents, Pedro Gomez Lozano and Patrocinio Royo Casasus.

A Funeral Mass for Carmen will be held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 1201 Alma Dr, Plano, TX 75075, on Monday, March 16th, 2026 beginning at 10 a.m.

Carmen leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and unwavering faith in the goodness of others. Her life touched many, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her