We had lived in NY up until getting  married in 1981 & then drove all the way across the country, without much of a plan except to stop by Carmen's home in Hawthorne, hoping for a hot meal once we reached the West Coast.  No apartment or job lined up, just the dream of being on our own in sunny California. But Carmen & her family welcomed us with open arms, let us stay in the backyard camper for a few weeks, and helped ease us into what would be many happy years in California.   Almost 25 years later we moved to TX & now live in AZ,  but we never forgot or stopped being grateful for her open arms, all the wonderful meals & holidays spent with them, & her being a loving "Titi Carmen" to our young children.  Her memory will live on with us all, and we pray for her restful peace now & forever, Amen.

The Arroyo family was just that, family. We didn't share blood but, we were family. On behalf of the Bettencourt's, I send my condolences. I am out of state and not able to attend but, will be virtual. God Bless Joe, Melisa, Denny and their children during this time.

Blessings,

Jane Bettencourt-Soto 

My most vivid memories of Carmen was her cooking. My favorite was her rice and beans. Carmen had a one of a kind laugh. I truly enjoyed family time at the Arroyo's. They're my second family. I am truly blessed. 

Melissa and I would eat at each other's house, separately. Melissa loved Italian. There was only one smell that made me turn right back around and leave, her fish soup, bucalao. 

I will miss Carmen tremendously. RIP love you!!

I was 2 years old when I met Carmen. We moved into a house just 3 doors down from the Arroyo family on 134th street.  I had no idea at the time that Carmen would be my second mom.  I would come home from school every day and head to The Arroyo house where Carmen and Anna would be cooking ,I was always hungry and Carmen would tell me to sit at the table and she would bring me my after school dinner. Rice and beans were always on the stove.  I lived in the house for 13 years.  Growing up with Carmens love is what made me who I am today. She made me and my brother feel like we were one of her own.  I went to Hawthorne last year for a visit with Carmen, Melisa told me that she probably wouldn't remember me. I went anyway, I needed to feel her hug one last time. I knocked on the door and was greeted by Eddie. Carmen came into the room to see who was at her door, she SCREAMED! I thought I scared her because of her memory lose.  The next thing that came out of her mouth was TERESA! She remembered me!!! Tears were flowing out of both of our eyes. I sat and talked with her and Ed for several hours.   God Bless you Carmen for always loving me and making feel that I was never alone. You were always there for me. Thank you Joe, Melisa,& Denny for sharing your most precious gift with me, your mother.  It's been 59 years since we first met and my love for your family will be with me forever.   Carmens love will be in my heart forever.

Carmen grew up in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico.  Her parents were Anna Rodriguez Arroyo and Pedro Arroyo.  Carmen and Anna left Puerto Rico around 1939 on a ship headed to New York City.  Upon arrival, Anna and Carmen were greeted by family whom they lived with until Anna secured a home and work for themselves.

Later, Anna met her husband Joseph Arroyo and married.  Joseph has two children that she would also raise (Josie and Edward).  

Carmen, had a thing for her step-brother Edward and he towards her.  They would finally marry and have their first son Joseph named after our grandfather.  Later, Carmen had a second son by the name of Jeffrey.  Unfortunately, Jeffery was diagnosed with Leukemia and passed away at age 3.  Both Carmen and Ed were devastated losing  their son to this disease.  Years later, Carmen became pregnant with her first daughter Melisa.  Four years later,  she became pregnant with her final son Denny.

When grandpa Joseph passed away, grandma Anna came to live with of us in Hawthorne, CA.  Carmen enjoyed raising her family and she loved cooking.  As a child and into our adulthood, we enjoyed eating her homemade dishes.  Even friends and family would come over to eat with us.  

Mom also learned how to sew, and knit.  She was actually very good at it.  Later in life, she developed a passion for reading novels.  Mom would buy 4 to 5 books at a time and she would rifle through them.  She would pass her books on to others who wanted to read them but most of them were stacked up in her room for another read if she couldn't find anything new to read.  Later, mom decided to work full-time to get out of the house.  There she met so many great friends.

Mom knew how to throw a party as well.  She loved to dance and she enjoyed having a few drinks with her cigarettes.  Our neighborhood friends, family, and people we just met would come to our home to eat, drink and dance until until everyone left.  Mom carried her traditions of family parties from New York to California.  Everyone couldn't wait until the next Arroyo party because they were so much fun!

Carmen was also a spiritual person.  She believes in Jesus Christ, God and The Holy Spirit.  Although she did not attend Sunday services, Jesus was always part of her life.  Mom loved the Lord so much, she had her children attend Church on Saturday to learn about God and Jesus.  Carmen's love for Jesus, carried over to her family and it was our responsibility to teach our children.  Thanks mom for shielding us against the enemy.  We are forever grateful!

Carmen was a great confidant and she would keep your conversations private.  She would have great life experiences she would share it in hopes that it would  help you with what is currently going on in your life.  Her legacy continues through her living children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Her final words to us were this.....  Love God, and keep the family together.

Thank you for reading this a learning a bit more about our Mother, Teacher, and Protector.

Mom, you are an amazing women and we already miss your spicy personality.