Carmen Soto

Carmen was born on January 26, 1942, in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, to the late Juan Crespo Matias and Ramona Castillo Torres. She lived a life defined by kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family.

A devoted wife and mother, Carmen found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, delicious aromas, and shared laughter—a gathering place for her spouse, children, grandchildren, and friends always filled with love. Her home overflowed with comforting meals and cherished family recipes, lovingly prepared and joyfully shared. Blessed with a creative spirit and gifted hands, Carmen worked as a talented seamstress, lovingly sewing clothes for her daughters. Each stitch reflected her deep care. Later, she brought that same grace to her work in Disney’s Laundry Services, where for over a decade, she took pride in supporting the guest experience with care, dedication, and attention to detail.

A woman of deep faith, Carmen was a devoted attendee of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales. She lived her beliefs quietly and sincerely, drawing strength from her spiritual foundation and sharing that peace with those around her. Above all, Carmen cherished her family. Her gentle presence and warm hugs became the heart of every family gathering. She was a proud mom, grandmother, a faithful sister, and a dear friend whose love was felt deeply by all who knew her. She shared a lifelong love story with her husband of 62 years, Angel Soto, whom she often called her soulmate and best friend. Together, they built a life rich in love, laughter, and devotion—an inspiring example of partnership and unity. Carmen’s memory lives on in the values she instilled, the meals she shared, and the quiet strength she modeled. Her legacy of love will continue to guide and inspire the many lives she touched.

Carmen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Angel Soto; her mother, Ramona Castillo Torres; her father, Juan Crespo Matias; her brothers, Juan Octavio Crespo Castillo, Antonio Astol Crespo Castillo, and Francisco Crespo Castillo; and her sisters, Angelita Crespo Castillo, Maria Providencia Crespo Castillo, and Rosalia Crespo Castillo.

She is survived by her loving children: Angel Soto Jr. and his wife, Hilda Soto, of Plant City, Florida; Nelson Soto and his wife, Jovita Soto, of Lake Wales, Florida; Evelyn Alvarado and her husband, Leonel Alvarado, of Lake Wales, Florida; and Marilyn Soto of Woodstock, Georgia. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Krystina Payne and her husband, Tyler Payne, of Lakeland, Florida; Ryan Britt and his wife, Veronica Britt, of Gainesville, Florida; Brandon Alvarado of Lake Wales, Florida; Nathaniel Soto of Davie, Florida; Matthew Britt and his wife, Stephany Britt of Sparks, Georgia; Mason Britt of Milton, Florida; Aaliyah Soto of Lake Wales, Florida; and Angel M. Soto of Plant City, Florida. Carmen is also survived by her siblings: Marina Crespo Castillo of Ponce, Puerto Rico; Maria Virginia Crespo Castillo of Arecibo, Puerto Rico; and Antonio Crespo Castillo of Arecibo, Puerto Rico; along with a host of extended family members, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A visitation will be held at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Auburndale on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at the same location on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, interment will take place at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens, after which the family will return to the funeral home for a reception.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28