CARMEN AVILA WILSON

Carmen Avila Wilson 94

Word has been received of the passing of Carmen Wilson who was a longtime resident of Longwood. Carmen passed into her next life on October 17th after struggling with Alzheimer’s for several years. Carmen was a third-generation Key Wester born to Mario and Lelia Avila along with her twin Isabel followed by a younger sister Elana. She grew up on Whitmarsh Lane and graduated from St. Mary Star of the Sea Convent. She moved to Miami along with Isabel after graduation and found a career as a dental hygienist. It was there she met and married her first husband James Welsh and had two children. After they parted ways, she returned to Key West and resumed her career as a dental hygienist with Dr. Williams. When her best friend suggested they move to Washington D.C., she set out for a new city with a sense of adventure. It was in D.C. that a patient of hers set her up on a blind date with a young Marine, Lt.Col. Paul Wilson. It was love at first sight. They married the next year and remained dedicated to each other for 52 years before his passing in 2019. After they married, Carmen went on to become an R. N. in Labor & Delivery. In retirement, they settled in Longwood, FL. Both she and Paul were active in the Orlando community. She with Meals on Wheels and as a purveyor of donations for the city’s poor and needy, often filling her garage to capacity with provisions. She also assisted Paul with his many activities as a college professor and dedicated VA advocate. Also, from their home base in Longwood, she and Paul traveled the world and enjoyed every trip until his illness prevented them from doing so. After his passing, Carmen returned to Key West to be close to family. She was predeceased by her parents and her two sisters Isabel and Elana. She is survived by her daughter Gloria Welsh, her son James Welsh, his wife Susan and brothers-in-law Enrique Delvalle and Carl Curry. She also leaves behind her grandsons Zachary and Logan, granddaughters Vanessa and Jessica, as well as 6 great grandchildren, 3 nephews, 4 nieces and their families. A special thanks to Zoe Hill Carmen’s dedicated caregiver who made her last years the best we could have hoped for. Truly an angel on earth. And additional thanks to the Ford family, Shirley and Lisa as well as Attorney Christine Lomas for assisting her and helping get her through a very difficult time. At Carmen’s request there will be no service only a mass at St. Mary’s Basilica, Key West in her name. She has willed her body to scientific study and will be returned home when that is completed to be interred in the Key West Cemetery. If you have a wish to donate in her name, please consider University of Miami Anatomic Studies @sofab.med.miami.edu, or Meals on Wheels .