Carmen Immaculada Cortell, 67 of Durham, passed away on September 7, 2026. She was born on July 27, 1959 in Bronx, NY to the late Vicente Barreres and Vicenta Miralles. She found immense joy in life’s vibrant details—whether she was lost in a craft project, cheering on Spain in the World Cup, sitting proudly in the stands supporting her daughters in their sports, or enjoying the world of Star Wars. Above all, she expressed her fierce love through the things she made and the enthusiasm she shared with the people she cherished most. She will be remembered for her kind and caring heart and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Jose Cortell; her two daughters, Christina Keller and Cathryn Mattson, her granddaughter Caroline Mattson, and sister, Sally Martinez.
The family will receive friends and guests for a visitation on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Apex Funeral Home followed by a short memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be donated to a breast cancer charity such as Duke Cancer Institute or Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared below within “Add a Memory” for the Cortell family.
