Carmen Farrugia

Carmen Farrugia, 90, left us on December 21 to rejoin her beloved Joe. Born in 1926 in Paola, Malta, she entered adulthood in the midst of war. Malta was home to a major Allied military presence, and Carmen passed many a day in bomb shelters. She emigrated to the US in 1951, where she was joined in time by Joe. They married a year later, and together they built a beautiful family and made Stamford their home. Her Joe was taken from her far too early, in 1980, a crushing loss. But as she did in all things, Carmen survived that and determined to live the best life she could. She exceeded her own hopes and dreams. Her family became the center of her life, even as it grew to include her two grandchildren. And she fell only three months short of meeting her first great-grandchild. She loved us all.

Carmen was possessed of a singular faith, a firm belief that you did the hard work in front of you, did all you could for others, and left all the things that can't be controlled to her God. Her unshakable beliefs saw her through war time, the loss of her soulmate, the later loss of her beloved companion and friend, Ralph Kara, and through the many challenges and obstacles that life threw at her. She was certain that, when her time came, God would ensure it was swift and painless. In return, she would enter her next life phase without fear. She and God kept every promise they made to each other.

Carmen was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Joseph, and by her six brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Pauline Bragg and her husband Bert, Carol Waggaman and her husband Gene, and by her adored and adoring grandchildren, Lindsey Waggaman (Mike Morgado), and Gene Waggaman IV and his wife, Jamie.

Funeral arrangements will be conducted by Leo P. Gallagher and Son, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, CT. Viewing will be from four to eight pm on Tuesday, December 27. Her funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 28 at ten a.m. Her interment beside Joe will be at St. John's Cemetery in Darien immediately following the service.

Carmen was a devout follower of St. Joseph, and has asked that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish make a donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.