Carmen Sylvia Principe, born June 14, 1933, in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, passed on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at age 91. Born to Leopoldo and Conrada Vega, Carmen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Ronald Schaefer; brother, Michael Vega; grandchildren, Christine, Ronnie, Mason and Riley; great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn, Brandon, Ella, Miles and Izzy; and beloved grand-dog Shelby.

Carmen moved from Puerto Rico to New York in 1938 and lived in the Bronx until moving to California in the late 1950s. She loved California so much that she never went back to New York.

Carmen worked as a telephone operator in the 1950s until her daughter was born. Then she was a stay-at-home mom. Later in life, Carmen worked at the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, where she met many movie stars, including her favorites, Charlton Heston and Joe Namath. After that, she returned to school and became a Home Health Care Nurse. When she retired, she became a full-time grandma and babysitter.

One of Carmen's greatest pleasures was going to Santa Anita racetrack and Pala Casino to give away her money. More recently, she enjoyed exercising, making jewelry, painting, playing bingo, watching Turner Classic Movies and hanging out with friends at her senior living center.

Carmen was many things to many people, which is why she had so many different names - Carmen, Mom, Grammie, Grandma, Great-Grandma and her favorite: Crazy Old Lady (Ron's nickname for her).

Carmen was loved and adored because she was so caring, selfless and loving to everyone she met. Her infectious smile will live on in our memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 10 a.m. at McCormick & Son Mortuaries, 25002 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA. A reception will follow at daughter, Laura's home.