Maria Carmen Perry

Watertown – Carmen Perry loved Christmas and all of the feelings and reminders the season brings along with it . . . hope, joy, and love . . . although the Christmas season is only marked by a few weeks each year, these three hallmarks carried her throughout each day of her life's journey.

Born on Christmas Day, 1957, Carmen's holiday spirit was unmatched and infectious. She made Christmas magical, not only for her family, but for all who knew her. Not even the most ardent scrooge or grinch could withstand the happiness and joy she radiated during the holidays. She transformed her home into a winter wonderland and brought together friends and family for festive celebrations that were cherished by all. Unlike the year-round sunshine and warmth of her native Cuba, Carmen reveled in the winters of New England and looked forward to a "white Christmas" every year.

She immigrated to the United States in 1962 with her family. Stopping first in Miami, Florida they had settled in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood in Boston for a time before moving to Watertown where she would make her lifelong home. In 1987 she married the love of her life, Stephen J. Perry.

A graduate of Saint Patrick's High School she continued her studies at Brandeis University in Waltham. Carmen was a successful businesswoman and had worked at various Boston-based pharmaceutical companies. Most recently she had served as the Vice-President of Total Reward and HR Systems at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge for the last six years.

Carmen was a force of nature with a vibrant spirit that left a mark on everyone who knew her. She was filled with unlimited love and wisdom that she was always happy to share with family, friends, and colleagues. There aren't enough words to fully capture the immense kindness and generosity she bestowed to those around her on a daily basis. Her motto was "always give 110%" and she settled for nothing less, no matter the task.

Carmen always said her greatest accomplishment was raising her two remarkable children, Katie and Danny. She was a very proud mother and an excellent role model. She showered her children with unconditional love from the moment they were born and into adulthood.

Mrs. Maria Carmen (Ferrera) Perry, of Watertown, died on Sunday, February 6, 2022 in Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. She was 64 years old.

In addition to her husband, Stephen, and her children, Kathryn R. Perry of Jamaica Plain and Daniel S. Perry of Watertown, Carmen leaves her mother, Erlinda Alonso Ferrera of Waltham; and her sisters, Maria Ferrera of Chicago, Illinois and Pilar Ferrera of Waltham.

She was also a daughter of the late Federico Ferrera.

Family and friends will honor and remember Carmen's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Friday, February 18th from 4 to 7 p.m. followed by her funeral service at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the Perry family would appreciate contributions to Dr. Michelle Lai's Research Fund via this link: https://secure3.convio.net/bidmc/site/Donation2?4902.donation=form1&df_id=4902&mfc_pref=

To donate select "Other" from the "Gift Designation" pull-down menu and manually enter "Dr. Michelle Lai's Research Fund." You may also contribute by check made payable to "Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center" with "Dr. Michelle Lai's Research Fund" in the memo line. Check contributions can be mailed to: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 330 Brookline Avenue (OV), Boston, Massachusetts 02215.

Please also consider making a blood donation in honor of Carmen through the American Red Cross, please visit https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html to find your nearest donation center.