Carmen Hernandez, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on Oct. 12, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Moca, Puerto Rico, on July 25, 1936, Carmen lived a life filled with love, sacrifice, and strength that inspired all who knew her.
At the young age of 13, Carmen left her home in Puerto Rico for New York City to help support her mother and many of her fifteen siblings. After several years, she moved to Chicago, where she married Santiago Mendez at 16 and became the proud mother of Doris, Lyris, Daisy, and Santiago. Following her divorce, she raised her four children on her own, working multiple jobs to provide for them.
Carmen was a dedicated employee of Nabisco, where she worked for 30 years before retiring. Her perseverance, independence, and devotion to her family defined her life and left a lasting legacy.
She is survived by her children, Doris, Lyris, Daisy, and Santiago; her grandchildren, Edwin, Enrique, Keith, Esteban, Erik, Alex, Emanuel, and Miranda; and her great-grandchildren, Greyson, Hunter, and Kaia. She was also a cherished mother-in-law to Christopher, Ruben, and William.
A Memorial Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a service at 3 p.m., at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th Street just west of Harlem).
Condolences may be sent to Carmen’s family on her tribute page at www.foranfuneralhome.com.