Carmen Luisa Vargas

Carmen Luisa Vargas Diaz, 82, of Riverview Florida, passed away on December 4th 2023 in the company of children at Tampa General Hospital. She transitioned from this life with grace and courage. Carmen had an accident in 2015 were her injuries revealed a need for multiple stents. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure an illness her husband suffered from as she took care of him during his final years. Although the diagnosis came as devastating news, Carmen enjoyed life to its fullest including a huge celebration for her 80’s birthday and countless family gatherings and events.

Carmen was born on May 7th 1941 to Vicente Diaz Ortiz and Maria Luisa Vazquez at the Hospital Presbitereano in Condado Beach, Puerto Rico.

After graduating from Central High in 1959, she went to Secretarial School and supported her uncle’s business (Tio Celin). She later married her high school sweetheart Luis Gualberto Vargas Raldiris who enlisted in the US Army.

She met Luis in high school. After graduation, they were married in 1963 (9 months and 1 week before giving birth to their first daughter Marta). She was so excited about the news, she starting wearing maternity clothes immediately! After becoming a mother in 1964, she chose to dedicate her time to Marta and subsequent children. Carmen provided for her children and husband as a homemaker and much more. She was the CEO of the household!

They went on to have six children, Marta, Luis, Mario, Orlando, Rosa Milagros (“Millie”), and Oscar.

They lived in Levittown, Puerto Rico until 1981. With family all over the island it was not uncommon for the family to frequently join family members at large gatherings. The Holidays were always festive. They were always one of the most memorable parts of being part of Carmen’s family.

In 1981, she and the kids (Marta, Luis, Mario, Orlando and Millie) moved to Longwood, Florida (Orlando area) to meet Luis who had moved there six months prior for work. From Longwood, they moved to the Tampa area in Seffner which was followed by various moves from Florida to Puerto Rico, then Macon Georgia, back to Puerto Rico, back to Macon and finally to Riverview. She always had a plan. She was able to lead the charge in each of these moves.

The first five children were born in Puerto Rico. Oscar was born at Tampa General Hospital. Her strength and commitment to family were shown in her desire to continue with multiple high-risk pregnancies. For Millie’s birth, the doctors referred to the term pregnancy as a miracle due to its high risk – Luis and Carmen gave their daughter the middle name Milagros. When she gave birth to their youngest, Luis suggested Carmen deserved an Oscar which became the baby’s name.

Carmen dedicated her life to her family making countless sacrifices that showcased her unconditional love and patience, Her smile was infectious and a true reflection of the warmth within her heart. She has left an imprint on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her especially those who call her family (which includes anyone who interacted with her at least once).

Carmen was predeceased by her parents Maria and Vicente, husband Luis, son Orlando Luis and sister Olga Ocasio. Carmen is survived by her sons and daughters each with a statement about the profound impact Carmen had on them.

Marta Idalia Vargas (Daly) – Multi-talented, Mami (Carmen) leaves a huge legacy of love and total self-giving to all who knew (even if briefly) and love her as a result. To know Mami was to love her as she knew how to make you feel loved, special, and sometimes a bit spoiled in the best ways.

Luis G Vargas Jr (Junior or Yun Yun) and his soulmate Lori A McKeith and sons Scott, Brett, and Kyle – “I will never forget the smiles she would gift us with each time we saw her at the hospital – a testament to a lifelong commitment to helping us live our best lives.”

Mario Luis Vargas – Mom dedicated her life and poured her heart into making our lives brighter, teaching us the true meaning of selflessness and love. Her smile could light up any room, and her love filled our world.

Rosa Milagros Downey (Millie) and husband Jason Downey and children Milana and Vicente – Mom's unconditional love, patience, and grace defined her. Her strength and courage were truly exceptional. She's left an imprint on our hearts and those fortunate enough to know her.

Oscar Luis Vargas and his high school sweetheart Julie Feibelman and daughters Lucy and Naomi - I will never forget her unconditional love and service to others. She poured out her life into her family and friends. She was always willing to serve others and I will always cherish the opportunities I had to work side by side with her in the kitchen getting ready for a fiesta!

They each have profound gratitude for the woman who brought them together. Her love and guidance were the pillars that shaped a close-knit family bound by love.