Carmen Pena

Carmen Iris Peña, 88, of Basking Ridge, passed away on November 7, 2023 in Basking Ridge.

Iris was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico to Francisca Marquez and Angel Arena Colon on March 11, 1935; one of sixteen siblings. After High School, Iris came to the United States and lived in New York City, the Bronx and New Jersey.

Iris was an employee of the United Postal Service in New York City and later in life worked as a home retail salesperson. Upon retirement, Iris took care of her grandchildren which she adored. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, salsa dancing, reading and spending time with her family.

Iris is survived by a community of family members in Puerto Rico and New York, her ex-husband Ramon Peña Sandoval, daughter Yvette Peña-Dusza, son-in-law John Dusza, son Clemente Cruz, daughter-in-law Donna Cruz, and grandchildren John Jay Dusza, Nina Dusza, Jacqueline Cruz, and Ozzy Dusza.

The family of Iris wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all who inquired and visited her and participated in her care.

Friends may visit the family on Wednesday, November 15 from 2:00-4:00pm with a funeral service to be held at 3:30. Cremation will be held privately.

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