08/01/2025
Carmen Rios Fish "Cambu"
January 6, 1947 – July 24, 2025
Carmen Rios Fish, lovingly known as “Cambu,” passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family.
Carmen was born on January 6, 1947, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and raised in Vega Baja. It was there she met the love of her life, Wilson Fish, while he was stationed nearby with the U.S. Coast Guard. The two were married on July 24, 1965, and shared 60 years of marriage marked by deep love and service to others. Their life together took them from Puerto Rico to Naples, Italy, then to Corpus Christi, Texas, before settling in Denison, Texas, where they made their permanent home.
Carmen was a vibrant and passionate member of the Denison/Sherman community. She volunteered for many years as a translator for MHMR and the local free medical clinic, offering comfort and connection to Spanish-speaking patients. She was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of her parish, where she sang in the choir and faithfully brought Holy Communion to the sick, the elderly, and the homebound—praying with them, comforting them, and reminding them of God's love.
She was also a sharp and strategic Bridge player, known to play multiple times a week and travel for tournaments. Whether at the card table, in church, or at a loved one’s bedside, Carmen brought her unmistakable mix of bold honesty, unwavering loyalty, and fierce love.
Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her beloved son, Alexander Fish, and his wife, Jan, who she came to love as her own. She cherished her grandchildren—Matthew Walker, Krystalyn Williams and her husband, Gary, Alexes Buchanan and her husband Ryan, and Alexander Fish II and his partner Allison, —and was blessed with many great-grandchildren: Drew and Preslee Williams, John, Oliver, Sebastian, Titus, Zelie, and Matthias Buchanan, Madelyn and Lucy Walker. She also welcomed the arrival of one great-great-grandchild, Wrangler Williams. Carmen is also survived by her loving siblings, Miriam Rios and Antonio Rios, who shared her Puerto Rican roots and cherished memories.
Though she made her life in Texas, Carmen’s heart never left Puerto Rico. She often spoke of her love for the island, its people, and its beauty—and always longed to return. She kept her culture alive and known to her family and friends by cooking amazing Puerto Rican dishes.
Carmen was a force of nature—fierce, faithful, and always in your corner. If she loved you, you knew it. And if she prayed for you, you felt it. She gave her life to God, to her family, and to her community. She will be deeply missed.
A Rosary will be prayed in her honor at 9:30 AM on Friday, August 8th, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Denison. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, with a luncheon to be held at the Saint Xavier Center across the street from the church. All are welcome to join the family in prayer, remembrance, and celebration of Carmen’s life.
