Carmen Maria Martinez

Carmen Maria Martinez was the first born to Jesus Rivera and Rafaela Diaz on June 8, 1929 in Morovis, Puerto Rico. She was the eldest of her siblings (Luz, Pellin and Milagros). In 1952 she married the love of her life, Teodoro and had a total of 9 children (Maria del Carmen, Ana Maria, Teodoro, Maria Socorro, Elba Noemi, Eva Nydia, Jose Rafael, Rafaela and Lissette). In 1972 Carmen and Teodoro decided to move to Boston, MA for better medical care. Unfortunately her husband passed away in 1973 leaving a young widow with 9 children in a country new to her. Thanks to so many good friends, family and St. Paul’s Church, Carmen managed to raise all of her children with lots of love and care. After 13 years of being a widow, Carmen reunited with a long time friend from her hometown in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, Andres R. Latorre. They married on October 19, 1985 and lived a very happy and joyous life. Carmen was a devoted Catholic who would always pray anytime she got a free moment. Even with her illness, she still would say her rosary everyday. In July 1991 Carmen and Andres relocated to Orlando, FL which the family from up North quickly followed.

She enjoyed the sunny days of Orlando, FL and made many friends here. She was the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren (Yadira, Ariana, Junito, Nardy, Cynthia, Melissa, Malerie, Jorgito, Timothy, Jacqueline, David, Jonathan, Nicholas, Gabriella) and two great grandchildren (Imani and Anthony).

As you can imagine just by reading this, she left behind a very big family. Her legacy will live on forever. Carmen was and will always be the best mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, mother in law and friend that anyone could ever ask for. This is why she will forever live and reign in our hearts. We love you mami.