Ms. Carmen Quinones Santana

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Carmen Santana. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Carmen was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

She was the daughter of Balatazar Quinones and Martha Carrasquillo. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Carmen was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Carmen's personality throughout her life.

Though Carmen was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Carmen was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Carmen worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. She had thrree brothers: William "Willie" Quinones, and five sisters: Tonita Carrasquillo, Rosadelia Carrasquillo, Juanita Orta, Zenaida Navarro, and Wanda Cruz. Carmen and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

Harmony was important to Carmen and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Carmen was blessed with three children, Carmen Maria Holleman, Ricardo Gonzalez, and Luis Elvis Silverio. She was also blessed with four grandchildren: David Patrick "Tre" Holleman III, Jazmyn Holleman, Devin Holleman and Carolina Gonzalez. Carmen was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Carmen was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Carmen would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Carmen, and she expected the same from those around her. Carmen was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Carmen was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Carmen handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was accounting and finance. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

Carmen passed away on December 8, 2010 at Hollywood, Florida. She is survived by her siblings, children, grandchildren, and other familly members. Services were held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home South. Carmen was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Carmen was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Carmen was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Carmen Santana.

In lieu of flowers, please send monitary contributions to Luis Silveriio at 5419 Flagler Street, Hollywood, FL 33021. All contributions are sincerely appreciated.