Carlyn Santos Alfonso

Carlyn was born on February 23, 1971, in Key West, Florida, to Rodolfo F. Alfonso and Carlita S. Alfonso. As the daughter of a military family, she spent her childhood moving from place to place before her family eventually settled in San Diego and Spring Valley, California, where she built a life and a home. She graduated from Mount Miguel High School in 1989.

That same year, Carlyn met Fred Branstetter Jr., beginning a relationship that would shape much of her life. They married in 1994 and together raised four children: John-Alan (Johnny), Jennavie, Jalissa, and Jasmine. Although they divorced in 2015, they remained forever connected through the family they created. Fred preceded her in death in 2021.

Carlyn dedicated her career to caring for others, working as a phlebotomist and laboratory technician. With her gentle nature and steady hands, she brought comfort and kindness to countless patients throughout the years.

Above all else, Carlyn was a devoted mother whose greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly survived by her four children: John-Alan (Rosanne), Jennavie (Ramon), Jalissa, and Jasmine.

She was also a proud and loving grandmother to Rodolfo (“Rudy”) and Jennavie (“LJ”), who brought immeasurable happiness to her life. She is also survived by her brother, Roderick Alfonso.

Carlyn will always be remembered for her radiant smile, generous heart, and unwavering kindness. She had a remarkable ability to put others before herself and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. A devoted animal lover, she was happiest surrounded by her beloved cats—Mona, Milo, and Blue. She was a passionate fan of the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Rams and cherished spending time outdoors, whether enjoying a day at the beach, relaxing at the park, or making memories with family and friends. No gathering was complete without music playing in the background.

She also had a gift that those closest to her will never forget. Carlyn had an incredible sense of direction and proudly passed that skill on to her children. She had a language all her own, often twisting words and phrases into expressions that became part of the family’s vocabulary and brought laughter to everyone around her. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader, offering endless encouragement, unconditional love, and steadfast support to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Carlyn will be remembered not only for the warmth she brought into every room, but for the love, compassion, and generosity she shared so freely throughout her life. She touched countless lives, both personally and professionally, and leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will live on through her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.