Carmen Victoria Golas

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carmen Victoria Golas, formerly of East Hartford, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. She was 78 years old and was surrounded by her loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. Carmen was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend and educator. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Charles Golas of 52 years, a daughter Leslie Tillem, son-in- law Charles Tillem, two grandsons Charles and James, her sister Luz, and niece Catherine and her family. Carmen was predeceased by her son Henry Golas, her brother Willy, her mother and father.

Carmen was born in Potosi, Bolivia to Enrique A. A. and Victoria Rios Tellez and resided in East Hartford for over 50 years. In Bolivia, she got a degree in Business from Instituto INCOS. Carmen then pursued her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Connecticut.

She came to the United States in the mid-1960's when she was 21 years old and met her husband in New London and that is where the story began. From 1968 to 1972, she worked for the State Department of Education, Vocational Education’s Manpower Development and Training Program. She also worked for the Chancery of the Archdiocese of Harford during that time, and was married in September 1970. Carmen then began working for Hartford Public Schools in Adult Education in 1975. Carmen worked in Adult Education for Hartford Public Schools for over 20 years where she retired and continued to teach adult education at East Hartford Public Schools. “Teacher,” as she was called by so many, was well-loved by countless people. Her selfless ability to always help others and her unwavering dedication was recognized and awarded as “Teacher of the Year” in 2019 at the CAACE Awards Conference for her hard work for East Hartford Public Schools. Carmen enjoyed pushing her students to learn English and advance their studies to earn their citizenship where she and so many embraced many blessings and opportunities. Carmen always went above and beyond to help others reach their dreams in order to live their best lives.

Carmen always put others first especially her family. Her fierce love of her family spoke volumes in how she spread love to others. She always opened her home to so many and made everyone feel welcome. There was always a story to be told. “The Golas Home” was well known to all the kids in the neighborhood and priceless memories were created. Her family will always remember her loving heart, fierce determination, the delicious pistachio birthday cakes and tasty brownies that she made for family celebrations. They truly were a family staple. Carmen was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her spirit will forever be felt and will be greatly missed. As her soul rests in peace, may her legacy live on in all those that she impacted.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for their wonderful care from her Hospice care ECHN. Their love and compassion truly helped provide all that they could to make her last moments comfortable.

Carmen’s life will be celebrated with calling hours on Friday, May 5, 2023 at D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford from 4:00-7:00 pm. On Saturday, May 6, 2023 a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm at St. Christopher Church of St. Edmund Campion Parish, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Saturday afternoon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Carmen’s name may be made the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.