Carmen Nelly Suarez
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Carmen Nelly Suarez, age 77, born to Juan and Juana Suarez on August 5, 1946 in Maunabo, Puerto Rico, passed away on April 3, 2024, in the comfort of her home in Raytown, MO. Carmen was a cherished member of her family and an inspiration to her community wherever she lived.
At a very young age, Carmen, her eldest brother Hector Suarez and Mother Juana Suarez left the enchanted island of Puerto Rico, “La Isla de Encanto” to reunite with the patriarch of the family Juan Suarez in search of a better life on the island of Manhattan in New York City.
Carmen encountered many challenges and overcame many barriers growing up in Spanish Harlem. At the age of 17, she graduated from Julia Richman High School and later pursued a career in Early Childhood Education at the College of New Rochelle. She dedicated over 30 years of her life teaching children and their parents the importance of education.
Although she left Puerto Rico at a very young age, her cultural roots were never forgotten. Carmen’s love for God, her family, people, music, salsa dancing, cooking and mastering her mother’s traditional Puerto Rican cuisine by watching her mom as a little girl was what she was most proud of.
Carmen was a devoted mother to her three surviving children: Jeanette Suarez Lopez, Lisa Jeanette Orchart Flores and Michael Jae Orchart. She was a beloved grandmother to Alyssa Nicole Flores, Daniel Jonathan Flores, Frank Elijah Lopez and an adoring sister to her siblings the “Fabulous Five”, Hector Suarez, Evelyn Suarez Roldan, Juana Suarez and Alfredo Suarez who recently passed. She admired her cousins, Nelson Ortiz, Dillia Diaz Ortiz, Jennie Ugarte Pratts, Emilio Ortiz, Pete Oritz and David Ortiz, and loved her two nieces, eight nephews and three God daughters.
She was preceded in death by: parents, Juan Suarez and Juana Rodriguez Suarez; cousin, David Ortiz and Pete Ortiz; brother, Alfredo Suarez; and sister-in-law, Renee Eddington.
Carmen will always be remembered as a person who made a difference in the lives of so many whose impact will continue to be felt for years to come. Her legacy will live on through her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held from 2:00pm-4:00pm on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133.
For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good
order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:5
Dear Ms. Carmen Suarez,
Reflecting on the kindness you and your son Michael showed my son Aaron and I, brings warmth to my heart. You embraced us into your family with open arms, demonstrating how generous love can be. Your welcoming nature turned our moments together into cherished memories. Your spirit created a bridge of acceptance that connected our families. The way you treated us with such grace made us feel genuinely valued, and it’s a lesson I hope to carry forward in my life.
Your unwavering support has inspired so many. You didn’t just include us; you made us feel like integral parts of your family. This rare quality in a person reminds us of the importance of community and connection. Your genuine care brought joy into our lives, highlighting the power of kindness. I remember this legacy of love, and I strive to emulate your example in my compassion towards others.
Though you are no longer with us, your impact remains strong in our hearts. The warmth and love you shared continue to inspire Aaron and me. We are grateful for the moments we shared and the lessons we learned from your generosity. Thank you, Ms. Suarez, for being a guiding light, teaching us about the beauty of belonging, and helping us realize that family is defined not just by blood but by love and kindness. Your memory will always live on in us.