In Memory of Carmen Necheles

Give the gift of safe harbor, healing, and hope in honor of Carmen. Thank you for your kindness as we lift her up in this moment of loss.

Send Your Gift By Mail

Please make checks payable to “Doorways,” with “Carmen Necheles” in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 100185, Arlington, VA 22210. Thank you.

In true testament to her unceasing support and advocacy for women and children, Carmen asked that her life be celebrated with donations to Doorways, in lieu of flowers. Doorways is deeply grateful for this incredible gift. In honor of Carmen, your gift provides safe harbor, healing, and hope, continuing her legacy. In gratitude for that legacy, we would like to highlight a few of the countless ways Carmen made a difference in every community she was part of, including ours.

In 1967, Carmen became a teacher with Boston Public Schools, including the Crittenton Hastings House. Crittenton had recently become home to the first alternative high school in Boston Public Schools, established there so that young pregnant women could complete their high school educations. At that time, girls were often kicked out of high school if they became pregnant. As a fierce believer in being educated and independent, Carmen could not accept that outcome. She had been the first woman in her family to graduate from college, and later in life, with five children below the age of twelve, obtained her master’s degree from Simmons College. At Crittenton, Carmen worked to ensure the brightest possible futures for the girls living there; serving as a teacher and mentor, she helped her students earn their GEDs and coached them on next steps.

Carmen was also instrumental in the establishment and expansion of Boston’s city-wide bilingual program. In 1970, Boston established a number of bilingual “clusters.” One of the only full-time Puerto Rican teachers in the city, Carmen was appointed as the initial director of the department. Over the next number of years, she traveled to other cities, states, and Puerto Rico to recruit bilingual teachers. During that time she attended numerous community meetings in Boston neighborhoods to encourage parents to enroll their children in the program.

In 1972, Carmen was appointed by the Boston School Committee as an advisor to a task force to work with the Board of Education on school integration. Later, in connection with the court approved desegregation plan, Carmen became a District Superintendent of the Boston Public School System. She retired from teaching in her early seventies having made a significant impact in thousands of lives.

In retirement, Carmen continued supporting her community by volunteering. She enjoyed visiting her extensive network of family and friends, hosting soirees, attending theater and musical events, and traveling around the world. 

Ten years ago, Carmen and her husband Al moved to Arlington to live with her youngest daughter Anna and her husband Kevin. Carmen filled the house with celebrations of music, dancing, laughter, and wonderful home-cooked meals for family and friends. She continued her commitment to learning by taking online courses through Arlington’s Continuing Education program to further her own education and was an active member of the Our Lady Queen of Peace faith community. She led a rich and full life, living to the age of 102 (or rather, the 63rd anniversary of her 39th birthday). See Carmen’s obituary here.

Through you and your support, Carmen continues to make an impact in our community. Doorways is honored to be included in your celebration of Carmen’s life and legacy. As Carmen’s exuberance, gregariousness, and passionate advocacy, and generosity live on in you, Doorways is grateful for her and your support. Cheers to Carmen!