Carmen Gonzalez

Carmen Gonzalez, 85, died Thursday, March 12, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Rafael Ortiz.

She was born in Puerto Rico on February 8, 1941, a daughter of the late Gregory Ramos and Blanca Suarez.

Carmen was employed by Lowell General Hospital and later at D’Youville Manor as a Licensed Practical Nurse before retiring.

She loved traveling and making memories with the people she loved. Whether exploring somewhere new or spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed gambling, with frequent trips to Foxwoods, Encore and Atlantic City, where she could be found playing the slots and bingo.

Carmen is survived by her daughters, MaryAnne Velazquez-Cotto and her husband, Eddie and Joanne Velazquez-Roman and her husband, Johnny both of Lowell; her son, Nelson Barbosa of NY; her five grandkids, Tiffany Garcia and her wife, Gleidys Sosa, Jack Roman, Jonathan Roman and his girlfriend, Christina Costa, Nelson Barbosa III and Janet Barbosa; her three great-grandkids, Zillah, Baby Jack and Baby Nelson; her sister, Mercedes Vasquez and her husband, Jose of Florida; her brothers, Antonio Gonzalez and his wife, Nancy of Florida and Ivan Gonzalez of Alaska; as well as several nieces and nephews, among whom are Maura Hernandez, Myra Ortiz and her companion, Will Miranda and Carlos Hernandez.

She was the sister of the late Judith Ramos-Hernandez and her husband, Louis and Milagros Leon and aunt of the late Luis Hernandez Jr.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Jack Chang, Dr. Brian Cullingford, Dr. Groves and Leanne Masseur from Tufts and their respective staffs. In addition, a sincere gratitude to Carmen’s PCA, “Sol” Negron for all the loving care right down until her last days.

Family and friends may call at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell from 9 until 11 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Her Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 12 PM in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Lowell. Burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carmen’s memory to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to ASPCA, ASPCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090.