Carmen Leonides Colon, age 92 of Vineland, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving children and family on Friday, January 27, 2023, after an extended illness.

Carmen was born in Utuado, PR. on Dec. 1, 1930 to the late Andre and Elizabeth (Mendez) Baez. Carmen, with her late husband, Hermengildo Colon, owned and operated Colon's Record Shop in Vineland, for over 30 years. She was a member of the Divine Mercy Parish and her hobbies included gardening, crocheting, dancing and singing. Carmen also loved to go to the casinos and horse racing tracks. In 1999, Carmen was nominated and honored as "Mother of the Year" at the Puerto Rican Festival.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph Cordero and by her second husband of 46 years, Hermengildo Colon. Also by her son, Hector Cordero, grandson Freddie Claudio Jr. and by her daughter-in-law Marilyn Cordero.

Carmen is survived by her beloved children; Judith Cordero, Elizabeth Rivera (Rafael), Joseph Cordero, Nilda Melendez (Jose) and Miriam Claudio (Freddie). Her grandchildren whom she raised; Joseph Cordero (Emneretta) and Hector Cordero and her great-grandchild Hector Cordero Jr. Carmen will also be missed by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Bayada Hospice and dear friend Nancy Bermudez for their help and support.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 2nd at 11:00 at Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland, with Msgr. Victor Muro officiating. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. Family and friends may gather on Wednesday evening from 7:00-9:00 pm and again on Thursday from 10:00-11:00 am, at the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.