Carmen Ortiz, a deeply loved mother and grandmother and the heart of her family, passed away peacefully at MidState Medical Center on April 10, 2026, at the age of 93, surrounded by those who loved her most.

Born in Arroyo, Puerto Rico, on June 12, 1932, Carmen lived a life filled with love, kindness, and quiet strength. She had a beautiful way of making everyone around her feel cared for, and her warmth touched all who knew her.

Carmen was a dedicated special education teacher who found her true calling in helping and nurturing her students. She carried that same love into her home, where she devoted herself to her family. Known for her generous spirit and gentle heart, she was truly the foundation of her family, the one who brought everyone together and made a house feel like home.

She found joy in life's simple moments, sewing, crocheting, gardening, and especially sharing Sunday breakfasts surrounded by her family. Those moments, filled with laughter and love, will be cherished forever.

She is survived by her children, Luis Ortiz, Addie Ortiz, and Gildren Delgado and her husband Efrain, her siblings, Maria and Carlos Soto, 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

A service celebrating Carmen's life will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Beecher and Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451. Friends may visit with her family prior to the service from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Interment will be private at the convenience of her family. To send condolences, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.