Carmen Nilda Padron Martinez Crespo

Carmen Nilda Crespo passed away on August 30, 2026, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, at the age of 93. She was born on January 2, 1933, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico.

Carmen was a homemaker whose life was centered on faith, family, and service to others. She graduated with her associate's degree and brought creativity and devotion to many parts of her life. She loved art and loved to paint, and her talent was recognized when she was asked to show her paintings at the Disney Art Festival. She also loved reading and found deep joy in caring for her family, especially in taking care of her grandchildren.

Her faith was an important and steady part of her life. Carmen was very involved with the church and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She also gave her time and energy to her community through her involvement with the Lions Club of Lake Wales and the Lake Wales Women's Club. In all of these roles, she was known as a woman of warmth, dedication, and generous spirit.

Carmen’s love for her family remained at the heart of her life. She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Hicks; her sons, Dr. Manuel O. Crespo and his wife, Karen, of Edmund, Oklahoma, and Carlos L. Crespo, and his wife, Nikki, of Apollo Beach, Florida; her daughter-in-law, Eileen Crespo; her sister, Brunilida Jaynes of Illinois; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Crespo; her son, Javier Crespo; her grandson, Javier Crespo, II ; her father, Lino Padron; and her mother, Carmen Martinez Sandin. Their memories remained a lasting part of her life and story.

Carmen will be remembered for her loving heart, her artistic gifts, her faithful service, and the care she gave so freely to those around her. Her memory will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

A public visitation will be held from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales, Florida. Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.