Obituary of Carmen Maria Mas-Cardinelli

Carmen Maria Mas-Cardinelli, age 53, beloved wife of Keith E. Cardinelli of Derby, died October 23, 2022, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family.  Born in Derby on January 2, 1969, she was the daughter of Vincente Mas and Carmen Monserrate Pagan Mas of Spain.  Carmen was raised in Shelton and was a graduate of St. Joseph Grammar School, Shelton and Derby High School.  A lifelong and voracious learner, Carmen earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master of Business Administration, in Accounting and Finance and a second Master of Business Administration in Management from American Intercontinental University.  She attended the New England School of Law, Dartmouth, MA, to pursue her Juris Doctorate Degree and fulfill her dream of becoming an attorney.   Unfortunately, due to her illness, her law career was derailed, and Carmen became focused on her brave 15-year battle with cancer.  Through the years, Carmen worked as a purchaser for the Thule Co. of Seymour, an accountant for the Hospital of St. Raphael, New Haven and was an accountant for the Aetna Insurance Co. of Hartford, until the time of her illness.  Loving adventure, Carmen traveled extensively through Europe and to many other exotic locations, but always enjoyed a good hike, camping or fishing with her best friend and husband, Keith.  A wonderful cook, she’d prepare her favorite family Spanish recipes and could often be found appreciating the delicacies at finer restaurants. Her life was filled with music, her joy of dancing was contagious, but her passion was her family.  She will be long remembered for her special love and dedication to her family.  In addition to her parents and husband of 20 years, she is survived by a devoted brother, Vincent (Paulina) Mas of NC; nephews, Andrew (Hayle) Mas of NC, Vincent Mas IV of New Haven, great-nephews, Dawson and Derek Mas of NC; her mother-in-law, Barbara King Cardinelli of Harwinton; sisters-in-law, Laurie (Ray) Steeves of Harwinton and Terri Cardinelli  and her children, Ben & Michelle of ME; niece & nephew, Nicole and Anthony Chapman of Harwinton; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in Spain and the U.S.  She was predeceased by her father-in-law, Frederick Cardinelli; brother-in-law, Jason Cardinelli and sister-in-law, Dawn Cardinelli.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph Church, 424 Coram Avenue, Shelton.  Private interment will take place in Spain.    Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, www.komen.org  The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia is in care of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.