Carmen Marie Buttacavoli Andes died peacefully in her home after a long illness on Friday, December 30, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in 1933 in Brooklyn, NY, to Frank and Raffaela Catalano Buttacavoli.
Carmen is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Robert C. Andes. Also left to cherish her memory are her children, Delores Poulos, Regina Shedarowich Stan, Robert Andes, Jr. Norma, David Andes Terry, and Richard Scott Andes and her sister Gloria Indelicato. She was a caring “Nana” to 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Carmen was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Deborah Zettlemoyer and brothers Frank and Charlie Buttacavoli.
Carmen’s greatest loves were God, her family and friends. She was known for putting the needs of her family and others before her own and she supported many charities. She was an avid bingo player and loved to travel, fulfilling her lifelong dream of visiting all 50 states as well as Europe and the Holy Land. A Navy wife for 30 years, she was also a member of St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church, the women’s club, choir and a former member and officer of the Roma Lodge. Carmen also worked as a teacher’s aide with special needs children. Although she had many accomplishments, one of her proudest was raising six beautiful children and nurturing a strong and loving family.
The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road Virginia Beach. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 1:00 PM at St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Boulevard Virginia Beach. Memorial donations may be made to either St. Gregory Catholic School Endowment Fund or to Breast Cancer Research. Condolences may be offered to the family at altmeyer.com
Carmen was a dear friend to Norma so I know they are together in heaven. Our prayers of peace are with your family.
Dear Bob, We were very sorry to hear of Carmens passinng. You and your family are in our prayers.
Jim & Susi Taylor
Past President Roma Lodge
I am so saddened by the death of my very dear friend!! She was the first person I sat next to when I joined the choir at St. Gregory’s when I was 15 and from that time on she and I were great friends!! She looked out for me and was always there for me. She was a truly special person and will be missed dearly. Bob, my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. I know Carmen will be remembered fondly by so many people. My love to all of you.
I start my new year by a deep since of sadness losing a wonderful friend. I will miss Carmen very much as she was our next door neighbor for over 30 years. While in Virginia Beach in May 2010 I visited and she was very good at remembering my sisters childrens names even though she had not seen them in years. I enjoyed the visit and talked about old times. My heart aches for all the Andes family today. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and friend. When I talk of a lifelong friend Carmen was truely that. We will miss you my old friend. We love you. Dalton, Cynthia, Lisa Weaver.
My sincerest condolences to Bob and Norma and the entire Andes family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God hold you in his hand in this time of grief.
Our deep sorrow and condolences go out to the entire Andes family at the loss of your wonderful wife, mom and Nana, Carmen. Both Les & I valued her as a second mother and friend, and we will miss her strength & humor, and her devotion to God & family. Thank God & Rejoice she is well and at peace at last! We share in your celebration of her life. Love to you all!
To the family, you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Aunt Carmen was a beautiful lady with a beautiful heart. We may not have been able to see each other as often as we had liked, but we could through cards and emails. Lord, thank you for blessing us for the time we had with Carmen, she’s with you now and one day we’ll see her again. Please keep her family safe and ease their hearts at this time of sorrow. Amen.
Love to all,
Lynda & Scott
Uncle Bob, Cousins Dee, Regina, Bobby, David and Scott
My heart goes out to you. Words can not describe my sorrow and feelings for your our loss. We were blessed having aunt Carmen in our lives. I am happy that Mom and Carmen were able to have quality moments recently. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Love,
Rich, Ryan and Gloria