Carmen Lydia Cabrera

Carmen Lydia Cabrera, 70, of Reading, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Reading Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Jose A. Torres-Ortiz, who passed away on July 29, 2016. Together they shared 32 years of marriage. Born on July 28, 1953, in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, she was the beloved daughter of the late Francisco and Francisca (Lopez) Cabrera.

Carmen was a graduate of Reading High School, Class of 1973. During the beginning of her career, Carmen worked as a Migrant Teacher from the 1970’s-2000, and lastly as a Secretary for Progressions Behavioral Health from 2000 until retiring in 2018.

Carmen was a faith-filled woman. She lived and breathed her family.  Being together with a home cooked meal was one of her treasured pleasures.  She also enjoyed reading, taking nature walks, and flowers.

Carmen is her families WARRIOR QUEEN. Despite battling Breast Cancer diagnosed 2/2014, Uterine Carcinosarcoma diagnosed 12/2021 and finally metastatic Carcinosarcoma in 2/2024, she kept her faith and kept pushing. She faced life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

Her unwavering faith in GOD taught her family to trust in his plan, even when life’s challenges seemed insurmountable. She showed that with faith and determination, you can overcome any obstacle. She will be remembered as a woman of faith, a woman of GOD and a beacon of light in our lives.

Carmen is survived by her son Allen L. Cabrera, of Reading; daughter, Rebecca L. Rodriguez, wife of Luis R. Rodriguez, of Allentown; daughter, Luzynthia Torres, of Reading; grandchildren, Ailynn Vazquez, Geminii Cabrera, Venus Cabrera, Evanez Osorio, Zion Cooper, Angel Torres, Justin Rodriguez, Jasmine Rodriguez; great grandchildren, Myles Heath and Emmariah Myers; sisters, Gladys Cabrera, of Puerto Rico; and Maria Orlando, wife of Frank, of Sinking Spring.

Carmen was preceded in death by her brother Luis Cabrera.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter the Apostle Church 322 South 5th Street Reading, PA 19602 on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Charles Evans Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Homes 129 E. Lancaster Ave. Shillington, PA 19607 on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 6:00pm- 8:00pm and on Thursday, April 25 from 8:15-9:15am. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.