Carmen Crespo, 88, of Meriden, passed away on October 17, 2024, at Hartford Hospital. She was born in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico on September 4, 1936, a daughter of the late Joaquin and Ramona Oquendo Carrion. She is survived by her children, Pablo Ribera (Michele Valerio), Ariel Crespo (Maureen Crespo), and Nellie Crespo Rivera (F. Rivera); her siblings, Francisco Carrion, Luz "Lucy" Carrion-Lespier, and Richard Randall; her grandchildren, Adam Crespo, Joshua Esposito, Matthew Urban, Samuel Resto, Frank Rivera, Luis Crespo, Isabella Ribera, and Justin Crespo; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Besides her parents, Carmen was predeceased by her sons, Roberto Rivera and Luis Crespo, her siblings, Pedro Carrion, Julia Cruz-Carrion, and Geraldo "Jerry" Carrion; her grandchild, Jason Rivera, Ariel Crespo, and nephew, Jose Rafael Callazo.

She has been a resident of Meriden for over 55 years, employed by the Eyelet Division of International Silver Company, and a proud owner of the restaurant "La Ultima Copa" (The last Cup) during the late 70's. She enjoyed bringing family, friends and the community together by sharing her favorite meals, and was very sociable. She was admired for her cooking, and warmth for sharing a warm meal. She worked for Walbro Manufacturing, among various manufacturing companies, and retired as a Personal Care Assistant. She was a Christian faith member of the church, "Nuevo Cominezo en Jesus" (New Start in Jesus).

Relatives and friends are welcome to visit from 10-11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. A funeral service celebrating Carmen's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery following the service. Friends and family are then invited to 80 Hall Avenue from 1-4 p.m., where lunch will be served.