With heavy hearts and loving remembrance, the family of Carmen J Arroyo announces her passing on July 25, 2026, at Saddleback Memorial Hospital in Laguna Hills, California. Born on April 28, 1932, in Puerto Rico, Carmen gave her ninety-four years to a life filled with devotion, warmth, and unwavering faith.

Carmen’s life journey was one rooted in deep love for her family and service to her community. A lifelong devoted Catholic, she found comfort, purpose, and joy in her faith. She embraced her role as a Eucharistic Minister, providing spiritual nourishment to those around her. Teaching English at St. Columban's to Spanish-speaking parish members was one of the many ways she built bridges and offered gentle guidance. Carmen extended her compassion even further by working with children with special needs at Fairview Children's Hospital, leaving a legacy of patience and kindness.

For Carmen, family was the centerpiece of her world. Her days were brightest when filled with the laughter and presence of loved ones. Whether it was a simple Sunday afternoon or a holiday, every gathering in Carmen’s home sparkled with her welcoming embrace. She delighted in cooking elaborate meals, orchestrating moments of joy, and weaving together generations over shared memories and stories. She taught us that togetherness is always a cause for celebration, and every meeting, big or small, was precious in her eyes.

Her spirit, gracious and open, ensured that no one ever felt like a stranger in her home. Whether you were a new acquaintance or a lifelong friend, Carmen made space for you at her table and in her heart. Her warmth was as abundant as the sunshine in her beloved Puerto Rico, and her ability to make others feel they belonged was one of her greatest gifts.

Carmen’s passion for music and dance, her devotion to God, and her steadfast presence as a mother and grandmother are memories her family will cherish forever. Her wisdom, humor, and unconditional love will remain a guiding light for all who knew her.

Carmen is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children, Carlos Arroyo, Yvette Arroyo, and James Arroyo. She is cherished by her grandchildren, Jenny Letness, Jillian Arroyo, Jessica Arroyo, Elizabeth Morales, Felicia Ortega, Julia Arroyo, and Tyler Drake, and by her great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Sol Violet, Jacob Hall, Hannah Bradberry, Dominic Amsbury, Aubrey Ortega, Emilio Morales, and Julian Morales and by her great great granddaughter Freyja Dodd.

Her memory will inspire and comfort each of them, along with all whose lives she touched with her kindness, humility, and strength.

Family, friends, and all whose lives were brightened by Carmen are invited to join in commemorating her remarkable life. A visitation and rosary will be held at McCormick & Son Mortuaries, 25002 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA, on August 4, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. A Mass in her honor will take place on August 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Santiago De Compostela Catholic Church, 21682 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, CA, followed by a graveside service at Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Rd, Lake Forest, CA, at 11:30 AM.

Those gathering to celebrate Carmen’s life will remember her as a beacon of faith and love. A woman whose legacy will continue on in the hearts and traditions of her family.