Carmen Martinez, age 87, died peacefully on June 20, 2014 at home in Kissimmee, Florida.

Dona Carmen, as she was respectfully and affectionately called, was born on July 16, 1926 in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Juan Castro and Ines Ortiz.

Dona Carmen thoroughly enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking and dancing. It was not a strange sight to often see her surrounded by children-- they were in good hands! She continued to embrace her passion for these creative activities throughout her life. Other favorite pastimes in her latter years, were playing scratch-offs from the New York Lottery and day trips to Atlantic City.

Dona Carmen was a member of the Church of the Holy Agony in East Harlem (EL Barrio), a parishioner at Holy Family Church in the Bronx, New York. When she moved to Florida in 2000, she became a member of the Holy Redeemer parish.

A woman ahead of her time, with limited formal education, she worked as a seamstress. That did not derail her from raising hers and anyone else children! Dona Carmen's nickname was jokingly, McGyver #1, as she was known to plaster and paint walls, sew a dress, repair the boiler and the iron's electrical cord, and welcome anyone who arrived at her home with a delicious home cooked meal. She learned English by watching "I Love Lucy" after she had replaced the tubes on the old TV set.

An active participant in the Viejos Amigos Inc. Social Club, she proudly upheld positions of secretary and treasurer. Her flair for preparing delectable dishes were a highlight at the many functions and fundraisers she either coordinated or lent a hand in.

Dona Carmen was predeceased by her beloved partner and husband of 45 years, Felix S. Martinez in 1994. She leaves warm and beautiful memories to be cherished by her children Johnny, Carmen, Jenny, Paul, and Felix ; 6 grandchildren, in-laws, family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 7:30 pm, Tuesday June 24, 2014 at Oceola Memory Gardens and Funeral Home, Poinciana, FL with the family receiving friends from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Funeral Home. Viewing will then be held at Sisto Funeral Home Inc. on Thursday June 26, 2014 from 2-5 & 7-9 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Friday June 27, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Church. Interment to follow at St. Raymond's Cemetery in the Bronx, New York.