Carmen Cortijo

On Thursday, March 3, 2022, Carmen Cortijo, of the Bronx, NY fell asleep in death at home with her family around her at the age of 87.
Carmen Pizarro Cortijo was born on March 18, 1934 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Rosendo Pizarro and Gregoria Ramirez. She immigrated to New York City in 1951 along with her mother to join her older sisters. She graduated from Mabel Dean Bacon Vocational High School with aspirations to be an O.R. Nurse.
Shortly, thereafter, she began to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. What she learned caused her to dedicate her life to Jehovah and she was baptized on December 31, 1951. She was faithful to that dedication for the next 72 years.
Carmen married Nestor Cortijo on September 29, 1956 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Allen Street, in New York City. Together they would welcome 4 healthy children into the world, 1 beautiful daughter and 3 rambunctious boys.
Besides being an attentive wife and mother, Carmen was a woman of many skills. She worked as a sewing machine operator while her husband, Nestor, was an aircraft engine mechanic. Later, she worked as a paraprofessional for the Board of Education of New York City for just shy of 30 years. Through this work she helped many children receive an adequate education despite English being their second language.
Carmen was also active in the ministry sharing with others the wonderful Bible truths she herself had learned. Carmen started out as a member of the Spanish Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Manhattan. Later, even though Spanish was the language of her heart, Carmen saw the need for her children to truly grasp Bible truths in their hearts, so she made the decision to switch to an English congregation. She became a beloved member of the Chatham Square/South Manhattan Congregation for the next 50 years. For the last four years, she has been a member of the Courtland Congregation in the Bronx, New York.

Mamita, as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren, was renowned for her good cooking, her hard work, her generosity, her hospitality and her love. Carmen was the matriarch; she was the glue that held our family together.
Her house was an AirB&B before there was such a thing. Her home saw an endless stream of friends and family through the years. It was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay while passing through New York, on their way to Bethel, a missionary assignment, or just on vacation.
Carmen was an exceptional cook, and although many have tried, there will never be another cook like her. It was not uncommon to come in to find a kitchen table full of food. For many years, Carmen hosted a weekly Book Study (Bible Study class) in her home. She always provided a "treat" afterwards even if it was just cookies and juice. She was famous for her bacalaitos which she would lovingly prepare and fry at our congregation picnics. She was also known for her yani-clecas (Spanish cookies) and amazing pastelillos.
Carmen believed that the conditions in this world are temporary, and that Jehovah's promise at Revelation 21:4 will come true. "God will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." So, while we are mourning and grieving the loss of our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, presently, we look forward to the time when she will hear Jesus' voice and come out of the Memorial tomb into a beautiful paradise earth. We will see you soon in the new world to come. Bendicion!
Carmen was preceded in death by her parents Rosendo Pizarro and Gregoria Ramirez, her husband, Nestor Cortijo, her son Ruben Cortijo, and her sisters Rafaela (Freddy) Fonseca, and Estebania Claudio.
Carmen is survived by her children Rebecca Cortijo, Nelson (Deborah) Cortijo, and Edwin Cortijo. Her six grandchildren Clinton (Katie) Cortijo, Adriane Cortijo, Gabriella (Jose) de la Torre, Elliott Cortijo, Jordan (Sheree) Cortijo, Jared (Tabitha) Cortijo, and 7 great-grandchildren; Talia and Avery Cortijo, Arrabella Cortijo, Cameron, Aleena, and Liana Cortijo, and Sara de la Torre, as well as her sisters Aida Lopez and Gloria David along with many, many nieces and nephews who loving called her "Titi Carmen".
A memorial service will be held Friday March 18, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.