Carmen Santiago

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Carmen M. Negron Torres, 65, died peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010 in Springfield, Mass., surrounded by her loving family. She had suffered a massive heart attack on Aug. 7, 2010. She was a devoted mother, sister, wife and friend to all.

She was born May 23, 1945 in Aguada, Puerto Rico, to Juan Negron and Francisca Torres. Carmen along with her husband, David Santiago, came to the United States in 1965, settling in Meriden, where they lived for 20 years before returning to Puerto Rico.

While in Connecticut in 1973, she and her husband were co-founders of the Hispanic Holy Trinity Choir in Wallingford and the Juventud Accion Catolica, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Meriden.

In Puerto Rico she became a licensed practical nurse at age 45, and worked in the pediatric and maternity wards at the Buen Samaritano Hospital in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico for 15 years. She received several awards such as the LPN of the month award and Nurse of the Year in 2006. In 2009, Carmen retired and settle in Springfield, Mass.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 45 years, David Santiago; her cherished sons, Edgar Santiago and Arcangel Santiago; and her future daughter-in-law, Gloricely Rivera, all residents of Springfield, Mass. She is also survived by her siblings, Virginia Mendez, Juan Negron, Jr., Aida Negron, Juanita Vargas, Elsie Hernandez, Gloria Lopez, Miriam Carrero, Casilda Rosa, Ismael Negron and Nilda Negron.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet for a funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford, on Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Meriden. Calling hours will be held Monday, Aug. 30 from 4 to 7 p.m., at Tazzini Funeral Home, Springfield, Mass. with a prayer service at 7 p.m.