Carmen Maria Rivera Santiago

Carmen Rivera Santiago

May 28, 1944 – April 5, 2026

Carmen M. Rivera Santiago, 81, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, entered into eternal rest on April 30, 2026, at Bridgeport Hospital. She was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico, on May 28, 1944.

Carmen lived a life centered on love, resilience, and devotion to her family. She migrated to the United States in 1972, first residing in Massachusetts, later in Chicago, before making Bridgeport, Connecticut her home in 1981. Though she briefly relocated in 1996, she returned in 2020 and remained in Bridgeport for the rest of her life.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Carmen spent many years employed in the manufacturing industry as a factory worker. Outside of her work, she found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments.

She had a deep love for crocheting and took great pride in her craft. She enjoyed preparing traditional Puerto Rican pasteles, sharing her culture through her cooking. Her daily comforts included her coffee and cold water—small rituals she cherished. Carmen also loved playing dominoes, cards, and working on word search puzzles.

She found peace in gardening and the outdoors and treasured time spent speaking with her siblings. Carmen was known for her warmth and hospitality—anyone who entered her home was welcomed with love, often through a home-cooked meal prepared with care.

Carmen was predeceased by her children, Angel Rivera, Providencia Sepulveda, and Jose Rivera, as well as her great-grandchild, Benjamin Pascual.

She leaves behind her loving children, Ana, Luis, Barbie, Exel, Maria, and Carmen; along with many cherished grandchildren—Joel, Jonathan, Deja, Sabrina, Emmanuel, Samuel, Daniel, Noel, Exel Jr., Hector, Jocelyn, Jonathan, Christian, Dean, and Johanna—and approximately 24 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind extended family members and loved ones who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Service Information

Visitation, Monday, May 4, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Funeraria Luz de Paz, 426 E. Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, CT

Funeral Mass

Tuesday, 5, 2026, 10:00 AM, Blessed Sacrament Church, Bridgeport, CT

Interment

Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport, CT

“Her love, her warmth, and her unwavering care for others will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.”