Carmen Zoraida Cosme

Carmen Zoraida Cosme Laboy, known affectionately as Zory, lived her life with a sparkle. Born on December 30, 1951, in the picturesque town of Villalba, Puerto Rico, Zory embarked on a journey that would take her to Pennsauken, NJ, where she drew her last breath on March 4, 2025, with the same grace and humor she carried throughout her 73 years.
Zory's childhood in Puerto Rico was a montage of fishing escapades, dance moves, and movie theater visits where she fell in love with the silver screen. She was a fashionista before hashtags were a thing, and her collection of wigs could rival any Hollywood diva's.
While her siblings, Jorge (who predeceased her), Benicio, Jr., and Elisanta, were all characters in their own right, Zory always held the spotlight. Her role as a mother to Julissa, Danny, Dalissa, and Melissa was her life's greatest production, a role she played with unwavering commitment and an ever-present sense of humor. Her 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren were the adoring audience of her boundless love and laughter.
Zory's work history was unconventional-she was a mother, a role that came with no salary, no days off, and no retirement plan, but it paid in love, which was her preferred currency. Her interests were reading, singing & dancing almost as much as she loved a good seafood platter. Her love for music was legendary; she could turn any mundane moment into a musical interlude. As a child, her hobbies included everything from fishing to dancing. Zory's humor and kindness was a treasure, and she shared it generously, lighting up every room she entered with laughter that was contagious and a wit that was sharp. She approached life with a twinkle in her eye and a readiness to find the comedy in the everyday, a trait that endeared her to everyone she met.
As we bid farewell to Carmen Zoraida Cosme Laboy, we celebrate a life that was lived with gusto, laughter, her colorful approach to every day. Zory's story was one of joy, resilience, and the kind of humor that echoes through the lives of those she touched. She may have exited the stage, but her punchlines and the memory of her infectious laughter will keep the spotlight on her for years to come. Adios, Zory, and thanks for the memories-your final curtain call was as grand as your life. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Carmen, please visit our Tree Store.