Obituary of Carmen M. Santiago Cerna

With heavy hearts we are sad to announce the passing of Carmen Maria Santiago Cerna. Carmen was called by the Lord to go home to be with him. Carmen was age 85, and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, August 7, 2023 at Shady Knolls Health Center, Seymour.

Born to Carmen and Feliz Cerna-Torres on June 3, 1938 in Penuelas, Puerto Rico and she later moved to Waterbury, CT in July 1979 to provide a better life for her family.

She is survived by her two sisters, Luisa Torres of Puerto Rico and Esther Merced of Pennsylvania, her children, Gladys Lugo of NY, Angel and Esther Lugo of Waterbury, CT, Roberto Lopez of Florida, Maria and Angel Santiago of Florida, Christian Colon of Waterbury and Carmen and Matthew Guzzetti of Trumbull, CT, 20 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her sister, Margo Cerna, her grandson, Jeffrey Lopez and her son-in-law, Valentin Serrano.

Carmen was employed by Shorewood Packaging for 20 years before her retirement, where she built many friendships. She loved cooking for her family and was an avid gardener. She looked forward to Christmas for the family gatherings, the parrandas that she fully enjoyed, and making pasteles. She also loved music, dancing, sewing and all outdoor activities.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff members of Shady Knolls Health Care Center for caring for our mother for the last 5 years.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday August, 10, 2023 at 1:15 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. Interment will be private. Friends may greet the family on Thursday morning from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Carmen was compassionate about animal rescue and helping strays and a strong supporter of the ASPCA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to your local animal shelter.