Obituary of Carmen M. Velazquez-Ortiz

It is with profound sadness and heartache that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Carmen Velazquez-Ortiz, who peacefully transitioned on Sunday, February 18th, 2024, at 80 years young. Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, on Sept 22, 1943, she came into this world as the daughter of the late Maria Ortiz Chico and Jose Velazquez Nieves and was an adored little sister to her siblings. Her journey began en la Isla del Encanto but her legacy was built in the streets of Brooklyn, New York, where she made a life as a skilled seamstress, raising her three children, Minerva, Jose, and Arturo alongside her beloved late husband, Adolfo Gonzalez. She was most proud of taking on the role of Grandmother to her three grandchildren, Christian, Ryan, and Elizabeth, and later as Great-Grandmother / Abu to Yael Rosa. She was affectionately regarded as the greatest Aunt / Tia / Godmother to her many nieces and nephews, and a cherished friend to all who knew her. She will be fondly remembered for her green thumb, always taking pride in growing her own vegetables in the garden, as a passionate fan of her favorite team, The New York Mets, indulging in a captivating telenovela, or exciting episode of Sabado gigante and immersing herself in the magical amor filled astrology of Walter Mercado. She reminded us all to savor every slice from her favorite Sunset Park pizzeria, Johnny’s on “FIFE AVENUE'', she found joy jamming and dancing to classic salsa tunes and cleaning up the competition with a good game of Rummy 500 or Dominoes, especially when slamming down the winning bone and celebrating a CAPICU! Her love of cooking and crafting beautiful dishes for her friends and family knew no bounds, for as little as she was in stature, she was a titan in the kitchen, a culinary powerhouse throwing down for all the family occasions, making the greatest pasteles, Arroz con gandules, Bacalaitos and Pastelillos known to man! Above all else, she’ll be remembered for her nurturing presence and the warmth and comfort she created at home for us all, from sewing up that favorite shirt you thought was tattered and ruined, to her infectious laugh and fire cracker spirit and Spanish curse laden quips that left you cracking up for days, her ginger ale and Vicks filled cures for illness, piping hot cafecitos in the morning and soothing chamomile teas with a midnight prayer before bed were constants in our lives. Through her every action, her unwavering love and dedication to family remains etched in our memories. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience and the impact she had on all of our lives will endure for generations to come. While her absence is deeply felt, we find solace in the gratitude for the life, love, and happiness she shared with us all. We carry her spirit forward along with all of the beautiful memories we created together. Through each of us she continues to live on, a beacon of light, love, and family. “Pero sobre todo, mucho mucho mucho amor” - Walter Mercado Please join us as we gather to honor her memory and celebrate the life of Carmen Velazquez Ortiz this Wednesday, Feb 21st from 2-4PM & 7-9PM at Matthew Funeral Home & Cremation Services, located at 2508 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, New York, 10314.