Carmen M. Cortes

Carmen M. Cortes, affectionately known as Shirley, passed away in her residence in Bridgeport, CT, on July 7, 2023. Born on September 18, 1949, in the beautiful town of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Carmen lived a life filled with strength, and unwavering commitment to her loved ones.

Shirley was a woman who had an unyielding spirit and charmed everyone she met with her warm and assertive personality.  She had a deep passion for looking her best and always ensured that her makeup and hair were impeccable.  Shirley loved dancing and loved reminiscing about all the good times she had going out with her sisters to salsa clubs.  She loved salsa and loved Pitbull.  She had a crush on him.

Shirley was a woman of faith and never went a day without praying for her family and thanking God for all the blessings he had given her. She loved to draw, paint and sew. She loved making her loved ones personalized blankets, pillows, towels, etc.  She was very creative and had a passionate artistic side.  Shirley found true joy in the simplest thing in life.  She enjoyed cooking and sharing her food with her neighbors.  These moments spent around the kitchen together will forever be cherished by those lucky enough to have tasted her meals.  She found solace in retail therapy as It allowed her to indulge in life's little pleasures.  However, more than anything else spending quality time with family brought endless joy to Shirley's heart.

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Tammy Delgado and her husband Julio, of Stratford, CT & Carmen Hernandez-Perez and her husband Angel Perez, of Seymour, CT.  her sisters Anna Castro and Ramona Arteaga.

Her grandchildren Crystal Cartagena-Caro, Dejanise Rivera, Jada Delgado.  Her Great-Grandchildren Joshua Benitez, Jasiah Benitez & Jeremiah Caro.  And a host of nieces, nephews, Godchildren, relatives and friends who will cherish those moments with her for years on end.  Shirley is rejoicing in heaven with her loved ones that had preceded her in death such as her parents the late Abraham Cortes & the late Alejandrina Cortes, and siblings the late Jose Cortes and the late Maria Dolores Cortes.                                                                                                                          

A memorial service to honor Carmen's life will take place at Funeraria Luz De Paz located at 426 E. Washington Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06608 on July 12, 2023. The service will commence at 6:00 PM and conclude at 8:00 PM. This gathering will serve as an opportunity for family and friends to come together to celebrate the vibrant life Shirley lived.

As we bid farewell to a remarkable woman whose presence enriched our lives in countless ways, let us remember Carmen for her love of life, her dedication to family, and her unyielding spirit. May her memories bring solace in this difficult time as we honor the legacy she leaves behind.