María Del Carmen Estrada

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of María del Carmen Estrada who went home to be with her Lord and Savior the evening of September 5, 2026. Carmen was born in Santa Clara, Cuba on August 17, 1952 to José and Francisca (Pocho y Paquita) Estrada. In Santa Clara, Carmen’s father was the administrator of the Coca-Cola bottling plant and, when the Cuban Revolution came, he was targeted by the new government and forced out of work. Eventually, when Carmen was eight years old, her family fled to the United States where they would struggle greatly, but only ever tell stories later about the happy times and the great friends they made in their new home.

The goal for Carmen’s family was to reach New York City where her father could once again work for his beloved Coca-Cola Company and, after some years, he did accomplish that. Carmen grew up during that time in Union City, New Jersey in a vibrant Cuban community. She spoke English perfectly, but held close to her roots—always speaking Spanish at home and keeping to many Cuban traditions.

In 1972, as part of Coca-Cola’s efforts to move its international operations to Atlanta, Carmen’s father was relocated to Georgia. It is there that Carmen would spend the rest of her days. In Atlanta, Carmen studied at Georgia State University and then joined the company that meant so much to her family. Stepping into her role in the laboratory at Coca-Cola was a moment of profound joy for Carmen, honoring her father's legacy and marking one of the proudest achievements of her life. There was never anyone who knew Carmen who didn't know she worked at Coke for 34 years.

First and foremost, Carmen was a mother to her son Alex, who she leaves behind. He loved her deeply and the two always stayed by each other’s side. That was Carmen—she remained close to those she loved. For much of her adult life she lived right next door to her parents. When she finally did move, she was only a fifteen minute drive away. Whatever her parents needed, she was always there for them as a loving and devoted daughter. When their second most beloved institution, The Atlanta Cuban Club, needed new leadership, Carmen rose to the challenge. She became the president of the Club—once again honoring a family legacy and making her parents proud. At the end of her parents’ lives, they depended on her heavily, and her absolute reliability never faltered.

In her final years, Carmen was blessed to be loved by Mike Webster. They laughed and travelled together and she showed him how to do one of the things she loved best—how to dance. In her terrible sickness, Mike was by her side every moment. In all her life, she had rarely encountered anyone on whom she could so fully depend. Mike was perhaps one of the greatest blessings of her life.

In addition to Alex and Mike, Carmen leaves behind her niece B.B. Carlson, her grand-nieces Riley and McKenna, and a grand-nephew Huck. “There is no one,” B.B. told her Tía in her last days, “who has ever loved their sister’s kid more than you. For that, I am so grateful.” Carmen also leaves behind many dear friends. She loved you all.