Having lived a full and prosperous Christian life, Mérida Carmen Descartes, 97, of North Haven passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 30, 2018 at The Hospital of St. Raphael. “Baba,” as she was affectionately known by those dearest to her, was born into the influential Descartes family in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, on October 20, 1921, the daughter of the late Pedro María Descartes Y Cabrera and Florentina Diaz Y Sanchez. God blessed her with three brothers (Raúl, Pericles, Pedro Juan) and three sisters (Alba, Doris, and Argelia), all of whom predeceased her. During World War II, she worked at the United States Army base in Puerto Rico, and after the War, she married Aurelio Cardona, himself a veteran. A devoted mother who selflessly brought up her three children, Nadja, Ahmed, and Alba, two grandchildren, Tahia and Danielle, and three great-grandchildren, Frederick III, Thaddeus, and Aurelian, Baba also helped raised innumerable other children who flourished under her care. Gardening, next to family, was her greatest joy, and she labored long hours cultivating beautiful flowers and herbs. With her incredible peace and compassion, she transformed the lives of many, rendering her a beloved godmother and friend to hundreds if not more. Through the Sacred Heart of Jesus and her three daily rosaries, she bore many difficulties and sufferings, her whole life a prayer to the glory of God.
The visiting hours will be on Friday, January 4, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Baba’s funeral procession will leave the funeral home the next day at 9.30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, with interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. Donations in her loving memory may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Daycare – Preschool – Kindergarten, 90 Chapel Hill Road, North Haven.
My dearest Baba, you were and will remain without equal. For all you did for me, for your extraordinary generosity, kindness, and selflessness, I shall always love you. This world is already so cold without you, and it is only the promise of seeing you again that sustains me.
The BEST Mother in law a man could possibly have. A loving, welcoming, beautiful woman, a great cook, loves people and lots of fun. A true Christian. Carmen will always be in my thoughts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God bless her.
Dear Ty,
Melinda let us know that your beloved grandmother had passed away. My own precious grandmother passed away at age 97, and I remember clearly the grief I and my whole family felt. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your grandmother sounds like she was an amazing person.
Kathy
Carmen helped me raise my son and I will be eternally grateful for all her support She was like a mother to me I hold such fond memories of her She will be missed
Baba, You touched so many people here on Earth who will always remember you.
Dear Baba was a joyful, compassionate, and inspiring woman, whose kindness and guidance touched many lives. Everything flourished under her care, whether plants in her garden, children in her home daycare, or friends and loved ones. She did so much good in the world and will be sorely missed. May her memory be for a blessing. Condolences to Tahia, Alba, and all of Baba’s family. Sending love – the Hoffmann Kamrat family
Dear Baba was a joyful, compassionate, and inspiring woman, whose kindness and guidance touched many lives. Everything flourished under her care, whether plants in her garden, children in her home daycare, or friends and loved ones. She did so much good in the world and will be sorely missed. May her memory be for a blessing. Condolences to Tahia, Alba, and all of Baba’s family. Sending love – the Hoffmann Kamrat family
With the passing of Carmen, a light has gone out in our lives. She was a good friend, a kind & loving person, and a good neighbor. She loved children and influenced many young ones throughout her life. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace, Carmen, in the loving arms of Our Lord.
With sympathy and prayers in the loss of someone special to the family.
With sympathy and prayers on the loss of someone special to the family.
Such a vibrant personality! During those few times that I was fortunate enough to spend time with the family, Baba always impressed me with her intelligence, vivacity, generosity… and that little mischievous twinkle in her eye! I know she will be missed by all.
My condolences to Ty, Alba and the extended family.
With love and prayers,
Moira
Ty and rick,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your grandmother. I met her twice. The first time was when she stood by your side for over 24 hours until we all welcomed Thaddeus into the world. The second time was after Aurelian’s baptism. I particularly remember her pretty smile and also how devoted she was to the both of you. She is now resting in eternal peace.
To Mrs. Descartes family,
We never met Mrs. Descartes, just reading her obituary we know she was a special lady. We will keep her and all of you in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. May God grant you comfort during this time and always bless you! We send our love.
Dear Ty, Rick and family
Our sincere condolences for the loss of your special Grandmother and great-Grandmother! God bless her and all of you! We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all with strength to endure the difficult days and may your cherished memories bring you peace and comfort!!
My mother mamie, my heart, my soul. Rest in the peace you so deserve.
Your loving daughter,
Nadja
Mérida was like mother to me. Each time I used visit her, Alba and Tai and their families. She welcome me and remember my name until the last visit last year. Every her life is love. Each time I visit my sweat family in Connecticut I see her care and love. She is great mother and she rest in peace with our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I love and pray for us in heaven. Michael
Dear Ty, Although we never met your special grandmother, we could see in you gifts she must have helped form in you. Caring, honor, faith, to name a few. Our prayers for all the family. Bunny, Bill, Beth O’Brien
Hi Ty,
My sympathy and prayers to the family.
We always remember Baba .
To the best in the Descartes family. You will be in my prayers Love always TIti
My deepest condolences to her entire family. I just came across her obituary and had no idea of her passing. I will always remember the good times, rest in peace my sweet friend.