Carmen Bintz Obituary

Carmen M. Bintz lived a life defined by resilience, devotion, and strength. Born on August 30, 1933, in the coastal town of Camuy, Puerto Rico, to Jose and Amparo Bonilla, Carmen was the first of seven siblings. She outlived each of them, carrying forward the legacy of her family with grace and dignity. In her early adulthood, Carmen and Luis Cruz moved to the mainland United States, with infant son Jorge. Carmen and Luis shared two beautiful daughters, Gladys and Gloria. In 1959, with three young children in tow, Carmen moved to Chicago, Illinois, determined to build a better life. Though her marriage to Luis Cruz ended, her devotion to her children never wavered. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to support her family-holding two careers that reflected both her technical skills and creative spirit. She was a licensed beautician, using her talents to provide for her children while also bringing beauty and confidence to others. Carmen also worked as a technical assistant for over 37 years for Zenith Electronics, until her retirement. Her dedication and work ethic earned her the respect of colleagues, while her humor and loyalty nurtured their lifelong friendships. Carmen had a remarkable eye for beauty, fashion, and design. Her homes in Schiller Park and Carol Stream were extensions of her spirit-colorful walls adorned with family photos, tables set with arroz con gandules, and classic gardens blooming with roses she tended like family. Her homes were loving gathering places filled with laughter, stories, and family. Later in life, she found lasting companionship and true love with Ralph Bintz. Married in 1993, they traveled, worshipped, and danced-ballroom partners in step and in spirit-for over 20 years. They were active, generous members of their church community and found great joy and friendship in ballroom dancing. The deep connection, mutual respect, and gentle love they shared was evident and everlasting. Carmen was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother always placing family at the center of her world. Carmen's cooking was legendary-her cherished Puerto Rican dishes brought generations together around the table, nourishing our bodies and souls. Carmen's legacy lives on through her children Jorge (Janice) Cruz, Gladys (Augustin) Blancas, and Gloria DeJesus; her grandchildren Chris Cruz, Alexius (Tim) O'Malley, Natalie Velazquez, Joshua DeJesus, Justin Blancas, and Miranda Blancas; and her great-grandchildren Sebastian, Isabella, Gabriel, Charles, Sophia, Elliot, Adalina, and Violet. She was a guiding light to each-offering wisdom (and unsolicited advice), unconditional love, and a steady presence throughout life's many joys and challenges. She was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Ralph and Luis, her six siblings-Teresa, Louisa, Isabel, Jose Jr., Olga, and Judith-and her parents. Carmen's life was a testament to the enduring power of family, love, and quiet determination. Her memory as our family's matriarch will be cherished and her spirit carried forward by all who knew and loved her. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 565 Randy Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188. A graveside service will be held at Irving Park Cemetery, 7777 Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634, on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (Please meet at the cemetery entrance.) For a guest book please visit hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.