Ms. Carmen Melendez

UTICA - Carmen Melendez, age 84, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 when she passed away at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico on May 12, 1935, Carmen was the daughter of the late Manuel and Maria (Rivera) Melendez. She came to the United States and settled in New York City in 1952 and later made Utica her home in 1965. For the past 35 years she shared in a relationship with Pedro Rivero to whom her heart belonged. Carmen’s working career began at Mele Manufacturing Company, and later at Nudo’s Floral Supply Company. Lastly, she was employed by a hat manufacturing company in Manhattan, the position from which she retired. And, thus, she became a hat collector! But Carmen’s most important job was being a great mother. She was an inspiration to her children and was their best friend. She was selfless, thinking only of her kids, taking care of them, and worked hard to give them the little frills in life that children enjoy. She taught them respect and morals, and she was always there to protect them. In return, they honored her by trying to follow in her footsteps. She tried to keep her family close and they have fond memories of being together, especially summers at Proctor Park. Carmen kept a clean home, and taught her children to cook, and appreciate the responsibilities of family life. Carmen’s four children were her greatest blessing. They gave her no reason to worry and when the grandchildren came, all the rules changed, and she loved in a different way. She was called “wuela chiquita” and they loved her for the love she gave them. But Christmas was the most special time. Family came together from all over, and food and spirits were plentiful. Carmen also celebrated the birthdays of her children with cake, donuts, soda, balloons and streamers. During her spare time, Carmen loved to sew, make doilies, play dominoes, and read novels in Spanish. Her most favorite pastime was cooking, and Spanish foods were her specialty. She always filled the plates high! Her children were blessed with the ultimate mom, and she held them in her heart. Carmen was blessed to know the Lord, and she followed his ways and loved to attend Mass at Historic Old St. John’s Church. She instilled her beliefs in her children, and she tried to be the best person she could be because that was God’s golden rule. She will be remembered as a compassionate, kind soul with a smile on her face. Her humble, favorite line was “I’m good”. Carmen is survived by her children and their loves, Hilda Rodriguez and her husband Jose Corona, Ana “Lily” and Jose Colon Jr., Efrain “Lilo” and Dora (Colon) Rodriguez, and Victoria Nunez and Jose “Efrain” Campos, and Victoria’s dad, Carmelo Cotto; her companion, Pedro Rivero; her grandchildren, Moncey Mendoza, Roberto Llaport, and the late Monica Mendoza, Jose Colon Jr. and Iris, Pepin Colon, William Colon, and Janelle Colon Robinson and Lavar Robinson, Karey Ann Rodriguez, Kattie Justina Rodriguez, Nathan McPherson; and Carmen Anita Taylor; 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter, Emma Rose Johnson. Carmen was one of 16 children; some have survived her, and several have preceded her. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, especially Lucy George, and Andre; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends, Felicita “Juana” Colon who was like a sister and a great, strong friend; as well as Elsa Santiago. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Oleg Dulkin and his staff, the personnel of the ICU at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center who reached out to Carmen with love, concern, and comfort; and her fellow tenants at Peretta Twin Towers for their friendship. Visitation will be held Monday from 5-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Carmen’s memory and her love for children may make a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Carmen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Ms. Carmen Melendez

May 12, 1935 - June 19, 2019