Carmen L. Velez-Mendez

September 13, 1960 - April 29, 2021

The True Story Camren L. Velez Carmen Lydia Velez Mendez was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico on September 13, 1960. To parents Concepcion Mendez and Marcelino Velez. She grew up with her father solely and she was educated in the Puerto Rico School System. Soon after she fell in love with Armando Claudio Santiago, and later born a child Freddie “Cucito” Claudio. The love young lovers set out to find a better life in the United States. She was known to most as “Lydia”. Her life was filled with many challenges but if you knew her you loved her. She was a person who loved music, cooking, and cleaning. She had a kind and giving heart. Her life ended shortly, after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Carmen Lydia Velez is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her former sweetheart Armando Claudio, her sons Freddie and David Claudio and longtime friend and partner in “crime” Tina Locklear. She leaves behind two daughters Yajaira and Amanda Velez, son Nelson “Sunny”, grandchildren Mercedes Pennewell, Elijah Pennewell, Janisa Chapman Velez, Ny’lah Velez, Alexander Velez, Austin Velez, Andrew Velez, Aaliyah Velez, Jeremy Claudio, Hennessey Claudio, great grandchildren, Ma’niah and Elijah Jr., and lastly so many more family and friends that loved her dearly.