Carmen L. Muir

Born in San Sebastián del Pepino, Puerto Rico, to Manuel and Victoria Cuevas, Carmen was one of eight children. Growing up in a humble but loving home, she taught herself to sew, making dresses for her sisters and their dolls. She and her siblings created their own entertainment, sliding down mountains on yaguas, palm tree fronds, laughing all the way.

Carmen's determination to pursue education led her to the University of Puerto Rico, where she studied to become a teacher. Her ambition took her to the University of Michigan, where she was immersed in English for the first time. She often recounted her early days there, humorously recalling how she only knew how to order chicken noodle soup until one day, out of frustration, she pointed at a stranger’s meal and said, “I want that.”

Carmen’s elegance and beauty were undeniable, often compared to Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot. She was even featured in a newspaper article during her time in Michigan, a testament to her striking presence and charm.

Among her many suitors, it was Tom Muir, a blue-eyed gringo working at Woolworth’s, who captured her heart. Their love began with a chance encounter and a Harry Belafonte concert, where Tom invited her after scribbling her number on a scrap of a paper bag, a treasured family keepsake to this day.

Their love faced many challenges. Tom was transferred for work multiple time, but their bond endured with Tom finding ways to see Carmen whenever possible. When drafted, Tom ended their engagement, not wanting her to wait for him, but fate had other plans. He was excused from service due to blood pressure concerns and quickly returned to marry his love.

Together, they built a life rich with adventure and devotion, raising four children. Linda, Thomas Jr., Susan, and Charles, across Puerto Rico, New York, and the Virgin Islands, where they once met Nelson Rockefeller and his wife. Carmen was teased that she got so excited when she met Mrs Rockefeller, that she fell backwards in her chair.

Though their journey took them many places, family was always at the heart of everything. Carmen eventually, longed to return to Puerto Rico, where she became a dedicated teacher at Academia Santa Rosa, earning the title Teacher of the Year.

Carmen was the heart of her family, a role model who never complained despite life’s challenges. Her faith was her guide, and she was an active member of Sagrados Corazones Catholic Church, leading groups and sewing costumes for the annual Stations of the Cross reenactment.

Even in retirement, Carmen and Tom’s love for adventure saw them traveling to National Parks, with Zion being her favorite. They eventually settled in Palm Coast, Florida, close to their children and grandchildren. As Tom’s Alzheimer’s progressed, their love remained steadfast, with Carmen by his side, often moving her bed closer to his in their shared room at Grand Oaks Rehabilitation.

Carmen is survived by her four children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, with another on the way. She will be remembered as the heart of her family, a woman of strength and kindness, and the glue that held everyone together. She taught those she loved to put everything in God’s hands and, above all, to take care of each other.

She will be deeply missed, but her love and legacy live on.

To watch the funeral service, please visit www.carmenmuir.com