Carmen Martinez

Carmen Martinez of Mount Vernon New York passed away on April 2nd 2020. She was 89 years old. Born in San German, Puerto Rico to Jose and Carmen Figueroa, Carmen was one of 18 children. At an early age Carmen learn how to defend and take care of herself. At 6 years old she learned how to sew and become a seamstress. She worked sewing cuff's and lapels on suits for men. She would sew with her sisters in order to provide for herself and her family. At an early age she would also meet her life long sweetheart; Ramon Martinez. They met as children, living across the road from each other and playing together as kids.

At the age of 18 Carmen would come to the US for a better life. She signed herself up to go to school to learn English at night, while working various jobs during the day. Although she enjoyed the US her heart was with her beau; Ramon back in Puerto Rico. She returned back to Puerto Rico to marry her love on April 15th 1951. The were married for 50 years.

Carmen and Ramon would return to the US in 1952. They lived on 136th in the Bronx where they raised their two children Margarita and Carmen. She worked at LNW Bra Company on 28th street in Manhattan while her husband was a concierge at Hudson Manor Terrace. She was devoted to her maker and attended Mass daily. She hosted many prayer groups in her home as well as cooking and serving many delicious meals to the entire neighbor hood. She was known for her Spanish spaghetti and Coquito. If she was not in the kitchen cooking a delicious meal, you could find her in her garden. To say she had a green thumb would be an understatement.

Her favorite time of year was Christmas. She would make sure the house was completely decorated and her grandchildren whom were her pride and joy got everything they wished for. Her family remembers her standing in line at 3am in the morning making sure she got Back Street Boys tickets for her grandchildren.

Carmen will be remembered as a devoted, amazing and very obliging person. She showed unconditional lover to ever body she met. She was a wonderful host, who loved to entertain and dance. Her grand-children were her pride and joy.

Carmen is is survived by her biological daughters; Margarita (John) Cruz, and Carmen Maria Martinez. She will be missed by her 3 grandchildren; Melanie (Jamaal) Branch, Crystal Verdejo and Loni (Gee) Singh. She will also be missed by her great grandson Caleb.

A private celebration of Carmens life will be held at the Pelham Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit pelhamfuneral.com