Carmen Valentino took her final breath surrounded by her children at Aaron Manor in the early hours of January 19, 2022. The Aaron Manor staff was a blessing to our family and we are forever grateful.
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, Carmen Valentino was predeceased by her daughter Carlina Ramirez, and survived by her 5 children, Patricia, Ivonne, Armando, Margarita and Gregory and 11 grandchildren.
Carmen and her family immigrated to the US and settled in Brooklyn, New York in the 60’s. Shortly after her arrival she became a single mother and began raising her five children. She pursued a career as a licensed cosmetologist, a career she loved and enjoyed for over forty-five years. Carmen was authentic, respected and admired by many for her strength and perseverance. She had a warrior-like attitude.
Carmen was a woman of many facets. She had a humorous and irreverent personality loved by so many. She was nurturing to her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, but never let anyone get away with foolishness. She was 5’ 1” but with the presence of a giant. She garnered the respect of many in her neighborhood. Carmen was committed to her values. Most importantly she despised liars. She always said “Don’t ever lie!”
Carmen was adamant about her children getting solid educations. She took pride in the fact that her children and grandchildren have earned many undergraduate and graduate degrees. Our successful careers in Business, Fine Arts, Law, Dentistry, and Education were her success. She was so proud we took a step towards ending generational poverty.
Over the years Carmen developed a passion for animals. She was compared to Dr. Doolittle by many of us. Her love and compassion for animals was so strong that she became a vegetarian.
Carmen was a beautiful and very attractive young woman. In her youth during the 70’s she had sex appeal. Her super high heels and faded glory jeans stopped traffic. Later on she became more eccentric in her choices and fashion. She was the kind of woman who fearlessly dared to break societal norms.
She was a pragmatist. A non-conformist, who dared to be electric and different. Her pink camouflage leggings paired with a yellow t-shirt were adorable. Her off-color jokes and beautiful smile were magnetic. Her Vivaciousness, strength, confidence and authenticity were her trademarks.
We pay tribute to this power-house of a woman we call Mami. Although she is no longer with us, we see ourselves as an extension of her.
We thank Mami for all her sacrifices and the many lessons shared that will serve us well on our journey.
Rest in peace Mami.
Comments
17 responses to “Valentino, Carmen A.”
Adela, mi hermana una persona luchadora y soñadora .. con un carácter determinante que la llevo a lograr lo que se proponía, amante a los animales, como ella ninguna. Una madre luchadora, comprometida con hacer de sus hijos unas buenas personas, enfocada a que tuvieran un futuro exitoso… Ahora está descansando y esto no es un adiós es un hasta luego hermana….
Mami, mi mejor amiga del mundo. Tú me apoyaste en todo. Me empujaste a estudiar, me ayudaste a criar a mi hijo y fuiste como segunda madre para él. Yo confiaba mucho en ti, y tus consejos eran muy importante para mí. Me vas hacer mucha falta. Tu amor para mí era obvio y nunca te preocupaste por mí. Tu sabía que yo siempre hacia lo correcto porque aprendí de ti. El respeto que me tenías era inmenso y yo igual a ti. Mami, yo sé que tú vas a ser la que me vas a esperar en las puertas de la casa de dios cuando dio me llame. Te amo. Ivonne
Carmen,
It was a pleasure to care for you these past years. I will miss your feisty spirit that you had until the end and your smile that could light up a room. May your beautiful legacy pass on through your family that you have so much pride for. May you be dancing free now. Much love.
Adela:
Solo bastaba compartir contigo unos segundos para percibir lo grande y maravillosa que eras. Tu fuerza, valentía y manera especial de ver la vida dejan huellas muy profundas y un hermoso legado de amor que es tu familia. Aquel corte cabello que me hiciste siendo yo apenas una adolescente quedo grabado en mi memoria, fue algo realmente muy especial, una tarde mágica llena de mucha energía positiva.
Descansa en paz!
Tuve el honor y la dicha de conocerle cuando venía a visitar a Patti. Siempre estaba contenta con una sonrisa que nunca olvidaré. Gozabamos mucho platicar con ella ya que tenía un buen sentido del humor. Sabía unos chistes tan cómicos que nos hacía casi llorar de la risa. También nos deleitaba mucho con las arepas, frijolitos y platos exquisitos que cocinaba. Fue una señora muy amable, honesta y muy cariñosa conmigo. Lamento mucho su partida pero mi corazón me dice que ahora ella está gozando de la gloria celestial. Sus sabias enseñanzas de vida, su espíritu de una señora luchadora que no le tenía miedo a nada, ni a nadie los voy a guardar muy dentro de mi corazón. Estoy muy agradecida con su familia por haber tenido el honor de compartir momentos tan alegres con Doña. Carmen. Que Dios les bendiga y proteja hoy y siempre y les dé mucha paz y fortaleza en éstos momentos tan difíciles de la vida como fue despedir a una gran persona como su mamá.
Querida Adela mi Comadre te recordaré siempre a pesar de que fueron muchos años sin verte.pero te llevo en mi historia. Dios tenga musericordia y te conceda paz en tu alma y brille su lyz para la vida eterna.
Grandma,
As early as I can remember, you were always present in my life. You were full of energy and constantly doing things for others without ever sitting down to relax. I attribute these motherly instincts to raising five children on your own as a single mother. It is only as I’ve gotten older that I am able to appreciate the dedication and mental fortitude needed to run a house hold in Brooklyn, playing the role of both a maternal and paternal figure. I will always admire and respect that about you.
Cont…
My most fond memories include making me oddly shaped pancakes, the traumatic bowl haircuts, and showing Caroline and I purple strands of your hair after warning us that the same would happen if we did not eat our vegetables. I look back at each of these memories and can’t help but smile because I will always remember your unique and eccentric nature. You were extremely giving and rarely asked for anything in return. The only thing you would ever ask for was for me to turn on the spanish channel for you before bed, and with that you were more than content. Thank you for being such an integral part of my life, I would not be here today if it weren’t for you and all the hardships you endured to give your children and grandchildren a better life. I hope you realize the massive impact you’ve had on those who were lucky enough to know you. I am forever grateful for your sacrifices, and I will love and miss you always.
My sincere condolences everyone. We shared some really great times with your Mom in that building in Freeport. She was a wonderful person. May she Rest in Peace. xoxo
I am truly sorry for your loss. Carmen was an amazing women. I remember when we all lived in Freeport, surviving our daily struggles she was always there saying hi and asking how we are doing. My mom and my aunts and us kids considered you all part of our family. Carmen also called us our if she thought we were up to something! She will always be in my heart ❤️
Mi Abuelita Carmencita,
I am so grateful to have had you as my Grandmother. You were like a second mom to me. I remember those days of you picking me up from the bus stop after school and bringing me back home until mom would return from work. you always made sure I was fed and you let me watch all my favorite cartoons. I use to love dancing for you and making you laugh. I will always cherish those memories of you in the kitchen, cooking one of your amazing meals while having a boisterous conversation with your daughters. Your energy and light will never be forgotten. Miss you and love you always -Zion
Dearest Carmen & family,
I find it difficult to express how sorry I am for your passing. You were such an integral part of my life growing up., as were your children. I always admired your no nonsense attitude and your hustle. You were always on the go. I am grateful that I spent a huge part of my adolescence knowing you. You made me a part of the family and always encouraged me to succeed in everything I did. You taught me to never settle for less and never “need” anything from anyone because I was smart and in charge of my own destiny. You were such a strong woman and a great example of girl power! . I’ll never forget you Carmen. You’ll always hold a special place in my heart. Que mi Dios te tenga en su eterna Gloria ❤️???
To the family., Greg, Ivonne,,Zion , Armando, and Patty . I love you all and will keep you in my prayers.
My beautiful abuelita,
To see you in your final days was special and I will cherish it. The way you looked at me and your eyes said what your lips couldn’t. It was a look of pure love and adoration.
I will miss you so much.
You’ve left us with so many fond memories. I love to see my mom and titi smile as they recount stories of your happy days in Sunset Park – your fashionable outfits, your head-turning beauty, and your fearlessness and commitment to protecting your family at every turn.
If there’s one thing you’ve taught me, it’s to put family first.
Thank you for always being there. Thank you for teaching me how to make arepas. Thank you for always making me laugh with your eccentricity. Thank you for making me feel loved.
I’ll love you and I’ll miss you forever.
Mom,
You gave life to me and guided me through life. You gave me one beautiful final gift when you allowed me to guide you through your final breath to eternity . Thank you ,Mom . You are unforgettable.
Mi tia Adela
Tia aunque no viajaste mas a Venezuela siempre te mencionábamos, como esta, que seria de ti despues de tanto tiempo supimos y me alegro mucho saber que estabas bien y los poco recuerdo que tengo de ti mi tia los llevare vivos en mi corazón y que siempre estes presente contandole a mis hijos de ti el amor a los animales y tu asentó ingles, tia te seguiré recordando tal como te conocí
Y mis sincera condolecias a mis primos y pido a dios su eterno descanso tia asta pronto saludame a mi abuela sofia y abuelo ya estan juntos.
Carmen
You are a beautiful, caring, mother and grandmother, ever giving and selfless. You have always embraced me and my children into your family with warmth and passion. We will miss the milky coffee forever on the boil and the cracking of coconuts on the kitchen counter to make your ever famous coconut rice. We will miss your presence at our garden parties and your cheeky smile. We love and respect you, forever in our hearts knowing that you will continue watching over us as your family carries forward your legacy with our lives forever enriched by your presence and guidance.
Love always Steve, Emma and Harry
DALE SEÑOR ADELA EL DESCANSO ETERNO Y BRILLE PARA ELLA LA LUZ PERPETUA.PADRE NUESTRO AVEMARIA Y GLORIA