Carmen Iraida Baamonde (née Colom), age 85, of Yonkers, passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Carmen was born on October 26, 1940, in East Harlem to Pedro Colom and Dolores Miranda Colom. She was the eldest of four children, followed by her brother Peter Jr, sister Nilda, and brother William (Baby). Raised predominantly in the Lincoln Houses, Carmen’s childhood was marked by significant hardships that shaped her strength, resilience, and determination throughout her life. Carmen met Richard Baamonde, her future spouse, in junior high school. They graduated from high school and married during the same week. At just 18 years old, Carmen gave birth to their first son, Richard, in 1958. The following year, she experienced profound heartbreak with the premature birth and loss of her daughter, Dolores. In 1960, their second son Roch was born, followed by Christopher in 1962 and Todd in 1967. Carmen devoted herself fully to raising her family, beginning in a one-bedroom basement apartment in the Bronx. After 19 years of marriage, Carmen and Richard divorced, leaving her unemployed and a single mother. She found work as a paraprofessional with the New York City Board of Education, assisting severely handicapped teenagers and young adults—work that was physically and emotionally demanding. While working full time, Carmen attended night school at Lehman College for many years, ultimately graduating magna cum laude. She earned her Bachelor’s degree, her Master’s degree in Education, and an additional 30 credits beyond her Master’s. In her 40s, Carmen became an elementary school teacher and was deeply loved by her students and colleagues. It’s notable that she spent virtually her entire career in Hunt’s Point area schools with some of the most underprivileged children in the country. She worked for decades with dedication and retired at the age of 70.
Carmen was a woman of elegance, dignity, and quiet strength. She maintained a beautiful home and personal style, was an avid reader (a huge Jane Austen fan!) and participated in numerous book clubs. She loved to travel and had a lifelong passion for music, and especially opera. She also loved the theater and ballet. Her strong Christian faith and spirituality guided her life, and for a time she served as a deacon in her church. Despite many serious health challenges—including two heart valve replacements, a stroke, and two battles with cancer, Carmen’s spirit never wavered. Her final illness was untreatable, yet she remained stoic and courageous until the end. Carmen is survived by her sister, Nilda, and her four beloved sons: Richard, Roch, Christopher, and Todd. She was a devoted grandmother to five grandchildren—Matthew and Jonathan (children of Richard and his wife Theresa), Daniel and Victoria (children of Roch and his wife Lisa), and Christopher Jr. (son of Christopher and his wife Michelle). She was also recently blessed with three great-grandchildren: Zoe and Zachary (children of Jonathan and his wife Reneé), and Pax (son of Daniel and his wife Michelle). Carmen Baamonde was an extraordinary woman whose strength, love, and perseverance left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She is deeply missed by her family and friends.
Reposing will be held on Monday, February 16th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, February 17th at 9:45 AM at St. Margaret of Cortona Church 6000 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.