Carmen C. Vazquez

Carmen C. Vazquez, age 90, passed away on February 28th, 2021. She was born in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, June 30th, 1930 to Carmen Viera and Alfonso Cruz. Carmen was young when she started learning the responsibilities of an adult. She was about 10 years old when she began learning how to cook, clean and take care of everyday responsibilities in the household. She had a total of 8 siblings as well. At the age of 12, she began working cleaning houses and her pay was about 25 cents per week. At 12 years old a man Danilo Melendez asked for her hand in marriage. Her mother said she could marry at the age of 15. Once Carmen was 15, she got married, and later down the road had 2 kids with Danilo. Their names are Maria Lopez and Danilo Melendez Jr.

Carmen was 15 years old, taking care of her two kids practically alone since Danilo was in the army.

Unfortunately, Danilo’s life ended a few years later and Carmen decided that she wanted a better

opportunity for herself and her kids. She decided it was best to move to the United States. She spoke

with her mother and her sister Marian about this decision. Carmen ended up moving to Chicago, Illinois.

Even though she was far from home she worked hard enough to send some money to her family back

home in Puerto Rico. She moved out to the US with nothing and as soon as she was stable enough to

provide for herself and her kids, she brought them to Chicago as well. Carmen had the biggest heart and

was a go getter! She landed a great job at Weiss Memorial Hospital a worked there for over 30 years.

She had a passion for helping others and always joined religious conventions and always volunteered in

the hospital, nursing homes and church, she went to church at the Evangelic church in Sun city.

As time went on Carmen met Antonio Vazquez. Carmen and Antonio married. They both were super

religious, and their faith was always in the hands of God. Carmen would always say “The lord will heal

the pain anyone is having, and we must forgive those who have done us wrong”. Carmen and Antonio

decided to move to Arizona in 1985 and began their retirement. She was married to Antonio for 60

beautiful years. Carmen and Antonio were prepared for the day God would call them home,

unfortunately her husband Antonio passed in 2011 but she moved on and lived the rest of her life

peacefully. Carmen’s kids: Maria had a total of 5 children and Danilo had a total of 6 children. Carmen’s

granddaughter Carmen Lopez Rayo moved to Arizona with her 5 children. Carmen Lopez Rayo was

taking care of Carmen her grandmother from 2011 until 2018 and In 2018, Carmen ( grandma) decided

she wanted to move back to Puerto Rico to be with her younger sister and help out.

Carmen lived in Puerto Rico and was in the care of her nephew Fonzi for the remaining years of her life.

Because Carmen was so religious, she always spoke positively about the afterlife. She found peace in

knowing she would be laid to rest next to the love of her life when the time had come. She would always

joke about her anniversary dress. Every single night before bed she would drink tea. She always said she

needed to lose the weight so she can be laid to rest in her anniversary dress. It was so important to her.

Carmen was known for her big heart, her contagious laugh, her beautifully thought out prayers. She was

sarcastic and glamourous until the end. She was very persistent, brave, and loving. She was an overall

AMAZING mother, aunt, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. She had

a total of 11 Grandkids, 31 Great Grandkids, and had a total of 31 great great grandkids. Carmen

touched the hearts of those around her. She left behind amazing memories for everyone to hold on to.

She will always be remembered for the good things she did and the impact she made in everyone’s lives.