“Carmen Ortiz passed away on Saturday, March 19th, 2022. She was a beautiful 97 years old.
Carmen was born in 1924 in San Turce, Puerto Rico to Georgina Davila and Felipe Salgado. In 1948, she left the island in pursuit of the American dream and arrived in New York City that February. In 1953, she married Benjamin Ortiz and had a five children, Benjamin Jr., Robert, Dennis, Richard, and Vivian. She worked tirelessly until October of 1989, when she retired from the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
Affectionately referred to as “Viejita”, “Grandma”, and “Mama”, Carmen is survived by her four remaining children, Robert, Dennis, Richard and Vivian, her son in law Russell, her two daughter in laws, Nancy and Yesenia, twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Besides her joy of spending time with her family, Carmen carried a deep passion for collecting Barbie dolls, sewing, crochet, crafting and travel. She was known to many for her delicious home cooked meals, hospitality and generosity. Full of strength, wisdom and grace, unconditional love and amazing advice, Carmen’s life touched all of those who had the honor of knowing her. To have known her was to love her.
Viejita, tu amor tocó nuestros corazones. Sin ti, siempre extrañaremos el latido del corazón de nuestra familia. Descansa en paz.”
Thank you,
The family of Carmen Ortiz
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