Carmen Maria Guadalupe Eugenia Horstmann

We regret to inform you of the passing of Carmen Maria Guadalupe Eugenia Horstmann, a beloved mother, educator, and grandmother. Carmen, born on May 5, 1934, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and passing away on March 29, 2024, in Cincinnati, OH, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she touched.

Carmen is survived by her son Ted Horstmann, daughter-in-law Tracy Horstmann, and her grandson, Quinn Horstmann. She is also survived by her brother Carlos and had many nieces and nephews who loved her very much, many of which visited regularly in her final months.

Carmen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William (Bill) Horstmann, who died just a year ago, her parents Onofre and Sara Castells, her brothers Jaime, Manuel, Onofre, and sisters Teresa and Mary Rose.

Carmen was a devoted Catholic, she found solace in her faith and shared her love with her family and community. She was full of love and gave of herself in many ways. She spent a good part of her life taking care of family members especially her mother and father. She regularly opened her home and heart to help friends and family. She hosted many people from Ecuador who came to visit or to study or looking for refuge. Her generosity and compassion for others made her beloved by so many people.

Carmen’s passion for creativity was evident in her various crafts, including knitting, crochet, embroidery, sewing, and painting, all of which she enjoyed immensely. She also created and gifted items that she made including knitted sweaters and baby clothes for friends and family.

During her career in education, Carmen worked for the Cincinnati Public Schools where she taught kindergarten to 6^th grade. Through her dedication and hard work, she received her Doctorate of Education. She went on to work in administration and was an integral contributor in establishing the bilingual program in the 1970s, making a positive impact to the lives of countless students.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday April 19, 2024 from 10:00 AM until time of the Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Susanna Catholic Church (616 Reading Road, Mason, Ohio 45040) Graveside service will take place following Mass at Arlington Memorial Gardens Memorial Park (2145 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231).

Following the burial, a gathering will be held for family and friends who wish to come together to celebrate her life which will begin around 4:00 pm at 9441 Twin Valley Ct., 45241.

In lieu of flowers please consider making memorial donations in Carmen’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.