Carmen S. Garduno passed away Oct. 10, 2024, after suffering many years from Alzheimer’s. Carmen was born April 19, 1929, in Taos, New Mexico, the second of the seven children of Ralph and Anita Garduno. Shortly after her birth, Carmen’s family moved to Akron, Ohio, the state where Carmen spent most of her life.
Carmen matriculated at Springfield High School and, after attending beauty school, she began her long working life as a hairstylist. The profession suited Carmen who enjoyed interacting with clients and coworkers. Later, Carmen moved on to become a switchboard operator at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio. Carmen spent decades working at the hospital where she loved her work and colleagues. Once retired, she joined the employment agency of her sister, Adela (Della) Delgado, as an assistant for a few years.
For many years, Carmen and Della shared a home and several pets in Canton. They were great supporters of their community volunteering for their parish and the National Football Hall of Fame. They loved antiquing and filling their home with treasures while also trying their hand at retail. It was a joyful home and a haven for family where many holidays and occasions were celebrated.
Carmen and Della enjoyed vacationing and spent many summers at the beaches of New Jersey and North Carolina. Enthusiastic travelers, they cruised the Caribbean and also visited Cancun, Mexico, with their sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Earl Seitz.
After the untimely passing of Della in 2004, Carmen struck out on her own to live in a senior apartment complex in Canton where she spent several years enjoying the company of friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, Carmen eventually succumbed further to Alzheimer’s and she moved to New Jersey with her sister Theresa. She was eventually placed into care at Sunnyside Manor in Wall Township. Carmen received exquisite care from the Sunnyside staff to whom Carmen’s family is greatly indebted. Because of their efforts, Carmen survived until the age of 95.
Carmen was a wonderfully funny and giving person and her family will miss her immensely. She is survived by her brothers, Thomas and Ralph Garduno, her sister, Pat Caruso, and many loving nieces and nephews.
A memorial visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 at St. James Church, Red Bank. The Arnold Funeral Home, Canton, Ohio, will inter Carmen’s remains with her sister Della at the cemetery of St. Peter’s Church in Canton.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
The article originally appeared in the October 24 – 30, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
