Carmen Iris Meléndez

Carmen Iris Meléndez, affectionately known to many as “Sijo”, “BonBon”, “Dona Carmen” passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024. She was born December 5th, 1951 in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico to the late Guillermo Melendez and Julia Marquez. Carmen grew up in Rio Piedras and Migrated to Lowell, in the 1970s, behind her sisters and brother the late Justina Villegas, Jose Melendez and Ana Huertas (surviving).

Carmen was a dedicated homemaker and devoted mother to her children William, Julio and Marianela. Her children were truly her life. Although she battled mental health issues, she persisted and ensured they never went without, got an education and turned out to be good human beings! Her legacy of loving and supporting thy neighbor lives through them. She was also a doting Abuela to Mindylee, William Joseph (her Chunka), Anaiyah, Arianna, Keilani and Imani! There was nothing that lit her eyes up or warmed her heart more than hugs with her babies.

All who have had the pleasure to know Carmen and be in her presence will certainly remember her contagious laugh and eyes that lit up any room she walked in.
Her children are grateful to the many medical professionals and staff members at Regal Care of Lowell who were Carmen’s family when they weren’t able to be there.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents Guillermo Melendez & Julia Marquez, siblings Ricardo, Juan & Jose Melendez, and her beloved sister Justina Villlegas.

She is survived by her children: William & Mildred Irizarry of Lowell, Julio Rivera of Lowell and Marianela Vazquez of North Billerica, Former daughter in law: Johanna Santiago, Grandchildren: Mindylee & William Joseph Irizarry, Anaiyah & Arianna Rivera, Keilani and Imani Peralta, Sisters: Leoncia, Ana (and her husband Alarico Huertas), Julia D.(Fontanez), Maria, Dalila, brothers: Alberto & Julio Melendez.

She is additionally survived and will be remembered with great love by her Nieces, Nephews and their children.

You are invited to her visitation Friday August 23, from 4 until 7 p.m, at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, Lowell 978-452-6361. Her Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday Morning at 9 a.m. followed by burial in Lowell Cemetery. Please find us on facebook or visit www.MahoneyFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.