Carmen Rosa Gonzalez

Carmen R. Gonzalez, lovingly known to her grandchildren as “Beba”, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, surrounded by family. 

Carmen was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on November 3, 1935, to Ruperto and Caridad Arias. In her youth on the island, she loved horseback riding, sewing, visiting her large family, and playing Continental with friends. 

Due to political upheaval in Cuba, she fled to the United States in 1962 with her husband and two children. Together as a family, with just the clothes on their backs, they started anew in Lakeland, Florida, where she and her late husband, Kin, built a life rooted in faith, strength, and love.

 Carmen became a U.S. citizen in 1970 and worked for many years as a technician at Lakeland's Phoslab, but she was best known for her deep love of her family, sage wisdom, giving heart, and exceptional cooking. She loved bringing people together over a delicious Cuban meal — her flan and tres leches were family favorites, and her arroz con pollo was legendary. Despite the success and happiness she found in America, Carmen never forgot her homeland and frequently shared memories of old Cuba, always doing so with her trademark vivacious flair for storytelling. 

Although she is now off on her heavenly journey, where she will be reunited with Kin and her beloved siblings, the legacy of warmth Carmen created will live on. She is survived by her son, Joaquin “Kim” Gonzalez, daughter Irene “Eydie” Hicks (Steve), granddaughters Jordan and Madison, and many nieces and nephews. Carmen was dearly loved and deeply respected by all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her earthly presence will be profoundly missed.