Carmen L. McLeod

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carmen Louise McLeod of East Elmhurst, New York, on March 25, 2026.

Carmen was born on January 20, 1951, in Withorn, Westmoreland, Jamaica, West Indies, to Iceline and Stedman Smith. She was the sixth of eleven children and spent her formative years in Jamaica, where she earned her diploma in bookkeeping from Durham College of Commerce in 1972, and later deepened her knowledge in bookkeeping by garnering her certificate in accounting machine operations from NCR. In 1974, she married her longtime love, Melvin McLeod.

In 1979, Carmen immigrated to Queens, New York, where she began building a life rooted in family, education, and service. She went on to receive her associate’s degree in Business Accounting from Queensborough Community College in 1986. Carmen dedicated over 30 years to a career in accounting. She was known for her professionalism, strong work ethic, and remarkable ability to connect with others. She shared more than 50 years of marriage with her husband, Melvin, and together they built a loving and close-knit family. Carmen was a devoted mother to her two sons, Barrington and Robert, and a proud and loving grandmother to Victoria and Devin. A woman of deep faith, Carmen was a longstanding member of the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York. Following her diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2007, she transformed her personal journey into a mission of service. She became a passionate advocate and served as a peer support leader for patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital, offering encouragement, guidance, and hope to countless individuals facing cancer.

In her spare time, Carmen found joy in gardening, cooking, and entertaining. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, often filled with loved ones, laughter, and the aroma of her delicious meals. She had a special gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel at home.

Carmen is survived by her devoted husband, Melvin McLeod; her sons, Barrington and Robert; her grandchildren, Victoria and Devin; her siblings, Marjorie, Elaine, Junetta (Dean), Veronica, Leroy, Monica, Hyacinth, Brian, Iona, and Patrick; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends. Carmen will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her strength, compassion, and unwavering love for others.

Donations are welcome for Carmen’s favorite charity, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center    https://giving.mskcc.org/