Carmen Mendez, 42, Longtime Chef At Newtown Friends Village

Carmen Zoveida Mendez of Bensalem was tragically killed in an automobile accident, along with her fiancé, David J. Sochalski, on Sunday, April 10, 2016. She was 42.

Born in Maricao, Puerto Rico and raised in Yauco, Puerto Rico, Carmen came to the United States at the age of 14. She formerly resided in Camden, N.J. for several years before moving to Bensalem in 1993.

She was working as a chef at Newtown Friends Village, where she was employed for many years.

Carmen loved hot rods, sports cars and music, and will be lovingly remembered as the 'tiny dancer.' She and her fiancé had huge hearts and would do anything to help whenever they saw a need.

Most important to Carmen was the love of her two sons.

Carmen is survived by her beloved sons, Garrison D. Sochalski and Carlos E. Cedeno, stationed in Osan, Korea with the United States Air Force, and his father, Carlos M. She was the daughter of Kako and Carmen Mendez, and sister of Luis, Silvet and Wanda Mendez. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends here and in Puerto Rico.

Family and friends are invited to call from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 1 p.m., Saturday at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions payable to Garrison Sochalski's educational account can be made to PNC Bank, 91 Oxford Valley Rd., Yardley, PA 19067.