Carmen M. Hernandez, 71, of East Haven passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital on July 21. She was born June 23, 1950, in Puerto Rico, to Balbino and Juana (Rivera) Hernandez.

Carmen is survived by her loving niece Laura E. Caraballo of East Haven; a brother, Hector Hernandez (Rosa) of Puerto Rico; two sisters, Juana Hernandez and Maria Hernandez of Puerto Rico; and two nephews to whom she was extremely close, Jonathan Mulero of East Haven and Jeremy Hernandez of West Haven, along with numerous other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her six siblings.

Carmen lived a life of a true servant of God devoted to her Catholic faith. At a young age she served in a convent where she grew in her faith and walked with Jesus. For many years she served at The Daughters of St. Paul in Bridgeport, until the location was closed. Also very dear to her was the Daughters of St. Mary of Bridgeport, as well, and The Immaculate Heart of Mary in Fairfield.

She will be greatly missed by all of her family. She touched many lives and made an impact on all. We love you! With our deepest affection, Laura, Jeremy, and Jonathan.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Avenue, East Haven. Her funeral procession will leave Clancy-Palumbo at 10:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 29, for a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the church of St. Bernadette, 385 Townsend Avenue, New Haven, with a private committal to follow.