Carmen Utset

Carmen Andraca Utset of Plantation, Florida passed away on September 21, 2018 at the age of 83. She was born August 20, 1935, in Manzanillo, Cuba, the daughter of Santiago Andraca and Dulce Maria (Baserva) Andraca. Carmen is survived by her husband, Dr. Bernard M. Utset; her children Carmen Utset Dwyer (David) of Des Moines, IA; Bernardo M. Utset (Karen) of Jacksonville, FL; Ofelia Utset (Thomas Kodadek) of Jupiter, FL; Manuel F. Utset (Tammy) of Chicago, IL; and Dulce Utset Stenglein (Mike) of Austin, TX; and her grandchildren Bradley Dwyer (Amelia) and Kristin Dwyer of Des Moines, IA; Elizabeth Utset, Michael Utset, Matthew Utset, and Emily Utset of Jacksonville, FL; Cristina Kodadek of Jupiter, FL; Julia Utset and Henry Utset of Chicago, IL; and Jessica Stenglein and Jack Stenglein of Austin, TX. Carmen met Bernard when she was just 15 years old. They dated for 5 years and were married in 1955. Carmen graduated from the University of Havana with a doctor of pharmacy degree in 1955. Carmen and her husband of 63 years raised their five children in Chicago, Illinois and Plantation, Florida. Her biggest joy was her children and grandchildren, and each of them has been influenced by her giving nature and her strong guidance. The best of times included a house full of family and friends and a table full of people playing Cuban poker and enjoying her Cuban cooking.  These gatherings were frequent, loud, fun and often ran late into the evening with Carmen focusing her love on her family.  Carmen also enjoyed numerous lifelong friendships and always gave of her time and heart. She was quick to make new friends and was loved by all who met her. A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2018 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 5:00 pm at T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home, 7001 N.W. 4th St., Plantation, Florida.  A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.