Obituary

Carmen Vega, 95, finished her journey on earth, on Aug. 20, 2014, at the Presbyterian Manor in Newton.

She was born on Sept. 22, 1918, in Peabody to Manuela (Melendez) and Jesus Torres.  On June 29, 1940, she married Epifanio G. "Elmer" Vega at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Florence. He preceded her in death on Feb. 20, 2000.

Carmen was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Her strong Catholic faith led her to be active in her church. She participated in Adoration Chapel, Alter Society and the Curisillo Program. She helped with numerous activities within the church, including the Blanket Ministry, crafting the Baptismal Bibs, serving numerous funeral luncheons, and was a member of the Cursillo group.  Her hobbies included gardening, sewing and crocheting. She spent time volunteering with a local Hospice group and as a SRS interpreter. Carmen participated in organizing the Fourth of July food sales. She retired from Presbyterian Manor as the head of housekeeping.

Survivors include two sons, Paul (Betty) Vega, Newton, Edward (Bonnie) Vega, Godfrey, Illinois; two daughters, Anita Vega Janowiak, Merriam, and Cristie (Adolf) Rodriguez, Newton; seven grandchildren and their families, Roman (Amanda) Vega and children, Avery and Elijah, Clarksville, Maryland, Adrian Vega and his children, Kennedy, Isaac and Logan, Melissa, Texas, Amelia (Paul Daniel) Rosenboom, Kansas City, Missouri, Seth (fiancée, Jenny Mikhail) Janowiak, Houston, Texas, Dr. Blythe (Dr. Richard Mulligan) Janowiak Mulligan, St. Louis, Missouri, Damien (Polly) Rodriguez and their children, Nicolas, Carmen and Elizabeth, Matthew (fiancée, Merritt O'Brian) Rodriguez, and children, Isabella, Kailen, Kinsley and Audie; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Preceding her in death were her parents, Manuela and Jesus Torres; her spouse; Epifanio G. "Elmer" Vega; brother, Felix Torres and sister, Lupe Llamas; and two infant sisters, Augustina Torres and Refugio Torres.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held Friday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Father Juan Garza will be presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Newton.  Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, in care of the funeral home at 120 E. Broadway. Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton, is in charge of arrangements.