Carmen Valdes Infante

Carmen Valdes Infante passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, at the age of 96. Born In Havana, Cuba, on November 7th, 1928, Carmen lived a life rooted in love, courage, and devotion to her family and steadfast faith.

In 1962, she courageously left Cuba with her two young sons and began a new life in Miami. There, she met and married the love of her life, Jose M. Infante, on June 12, 1964. They later settled in Raleigh, North Carolina, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Their marriage spanned 46 loving years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose, and her son, Emilio Felix Gonzalez.

Carmen is survived by her devoted daughter Marta DeMartino and son-in-law Richard DeMartino of Raleigh, NC, and their three children, Emma, Alec, and Mia; her son Luis Alberto Gonzalez of Miami, daughter-in-law Susan Gonzalez of Gainesville, FL, and grandchildren, Eric and Kayce, and their families; her nephew Emilio Valdes of Miami, and countless nieces, nephews, and extended family who will forever cherish her memory.

Carmen was a devout Catholic, whose faith was a steady and ever-present source of strength. She was rarely without her rosary in hand, offering daily prayers for the health, protection, and guidance of her family. Her unwavering belief and constant devotion brought comfort and peace to those around her.

She was an extraordinarily talented seamstress, working for over 20 years at Ivey’s/Dillard’s as a seamstress and manager of the Alterations Department before retiring in 1992. She continued working on bridal gowns at a local boutique until the arrival of her grandchildren, whom she helped raise with tremendous love and joy.

Carmen’s creativity and care were expressed through the many beautiful heirlooms she handcrafted—baby blankets, christening gowns, clothes, and keepsakes that will be treasured for generations.

She was an amazing cook—able to throw together a meal from whatever she had on hand and somehow make it absolutely delicious. Her kitchen was a place of joy, comfort, and connection, where flavors and stories came together.

Carmen had a special fondness for flowers, especially roses, and often planted rose bushes throughout her family’s yard—small acts of beauty that now bloom as living reminders of her presence.

Her life was a beautiful blend of faith, resilience, generosity, creativity, and love. She will be forever missed and remembered.

Funeral Mass

Friday, May 9th, 2025 at 11:00 AM from St. Raphael's Catholic Church

5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609