Carmen A. Vega Ojeda, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, in Sanford, Florida, at the age of 86. Born on September 22, 1939, in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, Carmen’s life was one marked by kindness, humility, integrity, and an unwavering devotion to her family and those she served throughout her long and distinguished nursing career.

Carmen’s early years in Jayuya instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and community. She pursued her passion for helping others by earning her Bachelor of Arts in Nursing from Universidad Catolica de Ponce. This commitment to caring for people defined the entirety of her professional life. For over fifty years, Carmen served as a nurse with dedication and compassion, always placing the health and well-being of her patients above all else. Her career culminated in a supervisory role, where she guided and mentored other nurses with the same care and attention she showed her patients.

Colleagues and loved ones remember Carmen as a very kind and humble person, whose selflessness was felt by all who knew her. She consistently put others before herself, embodying honesty, sincerity, and serenity in her daily interactions. Those qualities left an indelible mark on countless lives, both within her family and far beyond.

Among Carmen’s many accomplishments, she took greatest pride in raising her children, nurturing their dreams and ambitions with gentle support and encouragement. She was especially proud of her daughter, Karen, who became a doctor, fulfilling a dream that Carmen herself had long held. This legacy of care and aspiration continues to inspire her family and all who were touched by her wisdom and guidance.

Carmen is survived by her devoted husband, Jaime Alvarez Pagan; her beloved daughter, Dr. Karen G. Alvarez Vega; her son, Jaime J. Alvarez Vega; her cherished grandchildren: Christopher Alvarez, Nathaniel Arroyo Alvarez, Andrea Alvarez Rivera, Xavier Arroyo Alvarez, Axel Alvarez, and Ariana Alvarez Rivera; and her precious great-grandchildren, Kaimell Alvarez and Erzali Morales. She also leaves behind her loving siblings: Aurea Vega, Asuncion Vega, and Antonio Vega.

She is reunited in rest with her son, Jaime A. Alvarez Vega; her father, Manuel Vega; her mother, Carmen Ojeda; and her siblings, Luis Vega, Ruben Vega, and Iris Vega. Their memories live on in the hearts of those who loved Carmen most.

A visitation to honor and remember Carmen A. Vega Ojeda will be held on July 13, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory - Sanford Chapel, 905 Laurel Ave, Sanford, FL 32771. Family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched are invited to pay their respects, offering comfort and support to one another as they reflect on Carmen’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and dedicated service.

Carmen’s life was an extraordinary example of love in action—through her gentle touch, her unassuming spirit, and her lifelong dedication to the well-being of others. She will be remembered always, her legacy cherished by her family, friends, and all who were privileged to know her.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a later date to be announced at All Souls Catholic Church, Sanford.