Carmen Alicea, beloved wife and mother

HINSDALE — Carmen Alicea passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at Olean General Hospital.

Carmen was born Jan. 12, 1974, in Brooklyn, and was the daughter of Elias and Aida Retamar Alicea.

Carmen dedicated her career to working at Avon and eventually started her own successful business.

She was a compassionate individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand and touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Carmen’s kindness, strength and unwavering love for her family will forever be remembered.

She was the heart of her home, a source of comfort, laughter and guidance. Her family and friends will deeply miss her warmth, honesty and the way she always put others before herself. Though she is no longer with us, Carmen’s love and spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Carmen wasn’t a member of any specific organization, but she regularly assisted strangers in need by giving rides, providing food, helping carry groceries and more.

In her free time, Carmen enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including building things, carpentry, knitting, working with computers, hacking, gardening and self-teaching. She had a passion for learning new skills and creating beautiful projects.

Carmen is survived by her husband, Matthew Sperling; four children, Abigail, Matthew, Daniel and Joshua Herndez; and several brothers and sisters. She was also a cherished grandmother of two grandchildren.

Carmen was predeceased by her father; and her aunt that raised her, Maria Alicea.

Services were private. Burial was in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.