Carmen Perez

The Lord welcomed home Carmen Maria Rivera Perez on July 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. A longtime Orlando resident, Carmen was 91.  

Born in Farjardo, Puerto Rico on August 31, 1932 to parents Francisco Rivera and Luisa Diaz. After the passing of her mother she was raised by her loving father and stepmother Gabriela DeJesus De Rivera. Carmen was one of ten children. She graduated from high school in Guayama, PR and soon after moved to Brooklyn, New York where she met and married the love of her life, Felix Perez Villabol on February 5th, 1955. Carmen and Felix quickly expanded their family by welcoming their seven beloved children and their journey moved them from New York City to Pine Brook, New Jersey and back to Puerto Rico before settling down in Orlando, Florida.  

It was in Orlando where Carmen found her love for the Lord Jesus Christ. She was one of the first pioneers of a Spanish mission, leading faithful Christians for over twenty years and serving the Lord through worship.  

Along with her connection to the Lord, Carmen also had a deep love for her family. She was the ultimate wife, mother and grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed family gatherings, especially cooking delicious and elaborate meals, having coffee, playing jacks and dominoes. Carmen also served as a Mom and Nana to many neighborhood kids throughout the years. She had a strong affinity for shopping, especially buying purses, likely due to her early days working at a purse factory. Carmen also worked at a health clinic for women and infants, a laundromat and a doll factory in her early adulthood.  

Carmen was predeceased by her parents and 8 siblings as well as her husband Felix and son Nelson Perez. She was the ultimate wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. Carmen is survived by her loving children Carmen (Tim), Ronnie (Casty), Dennis (Claudia), Dee (Bob), Brenda and Janet (Pedro) and her sister Gloria. She was a Nana to 24 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild all of whom cherished her very much.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Carmen’s honor to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice. 

Carmen will be laid to eternal rest on Friday, July 19th. Friends and family are invited to a visitation 11am-12 pm, followed by a funeral service and interment, held at Highland Funeral Home and Memory Gardens, 3329 East Semoran Blvd in Apopka, FL 32703