Carmen "Milagros" Laracuente

Carmen "Milagros" Laracuente, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, at the age of 86.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Wanda Laracuente, who devotedly cared for her during the last several years of her life; Rene Laracuente; Laura Santana; and Ed Laracuente, who unselfishly supported her and other family members for many years. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Johnny and Jessica, whom she raised as her own, as well as Nelson, Xavier, Robert, Nicole, Ashley, and Ariana. Carmen was blessed with numerous great-grandchildren: twins Joaquin and Javier, who were born on her 71st birthday, along with Julian, Myles, Jaden, Faith, Gabriel, Cassidy, Elijah, Jaryxa, Bella, Karson, Arya, Emma, Liam, Logan, Jordan, and two more great-grandsons on the way.

Born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, to Joaquin and Bertha Ramos, Carmen was raised in Quebradillas alongside her twelve siblings. She is survived by her brothers Joaquin Jr., Hector, Tony, and Miguel, and her sisters Zoraida, Neraida, Olga, and Hilda. She was preceded in death by her brother Frankie and her sisters Gladys, Nancy, and Carmen Lydia.

In her late teens, Carmen moved with her family from Puerto Rico to New York in search of a better life. She later settled in Connecticut, where she married and raised her four children. In 1990, she relocated to Florida, where she spent the remaining 35 years of her life.

Carmen was a caregiver at heart. She lovingly cared for numerous family members' children, enabling them to work, and served as a babysitter for many children during her years in Florida. Children brought her immense joy and purpose, and she showed boundless love and dedication to every child in her care. Carmen was known for her love of walking. She enjoyed frequent walks to Royal Cafe in Jupiter, Florida, where she was warmly greeted with her cup of decaf coffee. After breakfast, she often strolled to her favorite stores or played the lottery numbers that appeared in her dreams, hoping to win so she could help others in need. Her giving heart is something we will miss most.

Cooking was another of Carmen's great joys. She loved preparing delicious Puerto Rican cuisine to share with others. The aroma of her arroz con gandules, the texture of her budín, and the taste of her iced tea—attempted by many but matched by none—are memories her family and friends will cherish forever. The holidays, when she lovingly spent days preparing elaborate feasts, will remain a testament to her devotion to her loved ones. Although she was often unable to attend Mass due to not driving, Carmen was a devout Catholic. She maintained a strong and unwavering faith, reading her prayer book nightly and lighting candles at her altar of saints in times of need. She had a special devotion to St. Martin de Porres and La Virgen de Guadalupe, alongside her Heavenly Father, who guided her through life’s challenges. Carmen’s giving heart and feisty spirit blessed everyone who knew her. She will be missed tremendously. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she has been lovingly welcomed in Heaven by her granddaughter, Nicole Rivera, who passed away in 2016. 

A celebration of life will be held in her honor in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Chasin A Dream Foundation (www.chasinadream.org), which provides support to families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. Arrangements for Aquamation are under the direction of Gentle Water Cremation, Florida.