MADISON - Carmen Carus, age 87, of Madison, passed away on Friday October 17, 2025. She was born on October 19, 1937, the daughter of Luis Arias Fernandez and Amelia Vega Zamora.

Carmen attended the Professional School of Commerce Havana Cuba for her Accountant degree but left months prior to graduation to start a family with her beloved husband, Jose Antonio Carus.

She was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Jose Antonio Carus, on April 15, 1961.

The journey of the Carus Family to the United States and Wisconsin:

After their marriage in 1961, and birth of their son Jose Jr. in 1962, Jose and Carmen made a courageous decision, driven by love and hope for their children’s future. Leaving behind everything they had ever known in Cuba-family, cherished memories, and every worldly possession---they made the heartbreaking sacrifice required of those who wished to escape. At that time, to leave Cuba meant saying goodbye to everything, with no promise of return. Jose set out alone in 1967, traveling to Spain, then to New York, and ultimately settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He worked tirelessly, determined to build a safe and welcoming home for his family. In 1969, Carmen and their son Jose Jr. were finally able to join him in Philadelphia, and their reunion was filled with joy and relief. Together, they faced the challenges of a new country, always supporting one another. Their family grew in 1973 with the birth of their beautiful baby boy Luis (named after Carmen’s father Luis), and soon after, Jose’s career took them to Caracas, Venezuela. Three years later, another opportunity brought them to Madison, Wisconsin-a place that would become their home for life. The move allowed Jose Jr. to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, following in his father’s footsteps and fulfilling dreams that began so many years before with the sacrifice Jose and Carmen made. Since 1979, Madison has been the heart of the Carus family. Jose Jr. and Luis are forever grateful for the sacrifices, strength, and unconditional love their parents showed every step of the way. Their journey is a testament to the power of family, hope, and perseverance. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for everything!!

Carmen worked various jobs while in the United States to help support her family including being a daycare provider for two cute little kids named Pauly and Rachel. Carmen’s only goal in this life was to be the best mother to her two boys and the best grandmother to her four grandchildren, who call her Abuela, which is grandmother in Spanish…except for her grandson, Vincent who calls her Abuelita. Without question she hit that goal out of the park and deserves the title Best Mom and Best Abuela/Abuelita!!!

Carmen was a good dancer, but she used to say that, since her husband Jose was an accomplished dancer, that she just “hung on for dear life” when they danced. She definitely understated her dancing abilities. She loved food and going to restaurants with family and friends. She also loved going out to movies and going shopping. Carmen was most proud of her family and cherished the time they spent together. She loved doing Word-Find books and especially loved doing jigsaw puzzles. She was a professional at jigsaw puzzles.

Carmen is survived by sons, Jose Antonio Carus, Jr. and Luis (Brenda) Carus; granddaughters, Abigail Maria Carus and Isabella Marie Carus; and grandsons, Vincent Anthony Carus and Simon Leopold Carus; and sister, Miriam Daniela Arias Vega. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jose Antonio Carus; her parents, Luis Arias Fernandez and Amelia Vega Zamora; and sister, Louisa Arias de Vega.

Upon her beloved husband Jose’s passing, his beloved wife Carmen of 64 years also passed only 12 days after him. They went through this life together in love, and left together in love, just showing that true love does exist in this world.

In lieu of flowers, the Carus family asks that any contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) and/or Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Carmen Carus

October 19, 1937 - October 17, 2025

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