Carmen Roth

Carmen Roth Lakeland - Carmen Roth, a devoted Wife, loving Mother, beloved daughter, swim coach, medical biller for a wonderful school to help special needs children, friend to many and long-time resident of Lakeland FL, died unexpectedly on May 29, 2017 at the, age of 53 in a car crash returning with the children to a resort in Ormond Beach. Carmen is survived by her parents Tony and Veronica Matias; her husband, Steve Roth; her children, Avalon, Kenny, Israel, Zach and Isabella. Carmen was born in Old San Juan Puerto Rico on April 23rd, 1964 to Jose and Veronica Matias. She graduated from the Loyola University in 1986 with a BS degree in Medical Technology. She worked as a Medical Biller for Achievement Academy and as the Head Swim Coach for the YMCA in South Lakeland. On April 27, 2002, she married Steve, her best friend for over 35 years. On February 4th, 2000, December 10th 2002, January 5th 2004, June 30th, 2006 and April 7th, 2008, respectively, she welcomed her five beautiful children, who were the most cherished part of her life. Carmen was a devoted mother, loved to coach swimming at the YMCA and provide financial assistance for a very special school. She was deeply involved in all aspects for developing young athletes. She was very creative in helping swimmers reach their potential by mentoring, arranging and attending swim meets and setting up yearend award banquets. She also took great pride in ensuring funds were made available to Achievement Academy so they can continue to provide much needed services to their students. She so loved being with and supporting her family. She loved to travel especially to the beach. In her childhood, she created a unique bond with her siblings growing up in a military environment. During this time she found her passion for swimming and softball. She caught for her Panamanian softball team in the Pan American Games. During this time, she traveled to Germany, Puerto Rico, Alabama, Washington D.C. and Missouri. Later, she honeymooned in New Zealand, traveled to Alaska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, places out west such as Branson Missouri and the Bad Lands. She also enjoyed being in New Orleans. She will be dearly missed by her family, the central Florida swimming community, co-workers and others she touched so deeply. A viewing will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 with funeral service and reception to follow at 3:00 p.m. on June 3rd at the First Presbyterian Church on Hollingsworth Drive. Pastor Kenny Ellis will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the South YMCA Aquatics department located at 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd Lakeland, FL 33803 (attention Stacy Walsh) or to Achievement Academy located at 716 East Bella Vista Street, Lakeland, FL 33805. Condolences may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, FL at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801.