Carmen Cecilia Lasi

Carmen Cecilia Lasi: “Mema”

Carmen Cecilia Lasi, a retired economist and petroleum policy expert, died in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, May 19, 2023.

While Carmen was proud of her professional credentials and achievements, she was above all a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who devoted her long life to her beloved family.  Lovingly called “Mema” by family members, Carmen left behind her husband of nearly 70 years, Juan Lasi, an economist, banker and avid sailor. She is also survived by three children, Jennifer Lasi Mann, Margie Lasi and Antonio Lasi; five grandchildren, Daniel, Cynthia, Isabel, Victoria and Sara; five great-grandchildren, and her sister, Carolani Valbuena. 

For decades, family members looked forward to Mema’s gracious smile and warm hugs as she and Juan welcomed loved ones for birthdays, holidays and frequent family get-togethers. Even when her mobility became limited in recent years, Mema always focused her love and attention on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Carmen grew up in New York City

Carmen was born Carmen Cecilia Valbuena in New York City in 1928 to Luis Martin Valbuena and Cecilia Wiess.  She grew up in Manhattan but moved to Caracas, Venezuela, in the late 1940s with her parents, Luis Martin, a dentist who relocated his practice to Caracas, and Ana, her stepmother who raised her.  Carmen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in economics at the Central University of Venezuela (Universidad Central de Venezuela) and a Master of Arts Degree from Harvard University’s Radcliffe College.  Carmen and Juan met in Caracas, fell in love and married.  The Lasis lived and worked in Venezuela from the late 1940s until they permanently moved to their Fort Lauderdale apartment in the early 2000’s. 

Professional life in Venezuela

As an economist working in Venezuela, Carmen was a pioneer for professional women. She became the first female executive at Venezuela’s Central Bank (Banco Central de Venezuela), managing the international petroleum department from the 1960s until her retirement in the 1980s.  

No slowing down after retirement

After retiring from the Central Bank, Carmen and Juan enjoyed sailing in the Caribbean, especially around the islands near Venezuela. They also traveled frequently to Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, where they owned a second home, and enjoyed driving trips around the U.S. and Canada, and Europe.

A memorial service will be held for family members on Monday, May 22, and Carmen will be laid to rest at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in North Lauderdale, Florida.