Carmen M. Cruz

September 15, 1929 - March 25, 2024

Carmen Maria Jimenez Cruz, 94, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 25, 2024.

Carmen was born September 15, 1929, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, to the late Marcelino Jimenez and Antonia Toledo. She moved to Brooklyn, NY in 1944 and began working as a seamstress in the Garment District.

When Carmen moved to NY, she met the love of her life, the late Cesar Cruz, and they were married in 1948. Carmen and Cesar had 3 children, Yolanda, Cesar Antonio and Yvette.

She continued working as a seamstress when the family moved to Plattekill, NY, in 1968. She then became a housekeeper and Den Mother at Mount Saint Mary's College in Newburgh, NY, until retirement. Once she and Cesar moved to Holiday, Florida in 1992, she came out of retirement and worked for Manor Care as a housekeeper until she retired again at 85 years old.

Carmen was a devoted wife, loving and caring mother and grandmother. She was the foundation of her family. She loved to dance, Disney World, traveling, the beach and being surrounded by family and friends. She was truly one of a kind and will be missed greatly.

Carmen is survived by her daughter Yolanda of Largo, FL, Yvette (Brian) of Wallkill, NY, grandchildren Adam and Keith Hazel, Belinda and Lionel Moya, Tyler and Alyssa Kelly. She is also survived by 9 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear family friend, Veronica Shevlin. She is predeceased by 5 siblings, her husband, Cesar, and son, Cesar Antonio.

We would like to give a special thanks to Kaela Crisci for all of her support in caring for our mom these last 2 years and being by her side at the end.

A visitation for Carmen will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12 PM with funeral and burial to follow at Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652.