MARCANO Carmen E. Marcano, passd into the eternal rest of the Lord on Wednesday, October 29, 2009 while surrounded by her loving family. Carmen was born on October 11, 1944 in Arroyo, Puerto Rico and was a resident of Bridgeport for more than 60 years. Carmen was the wife of the late Ramon Luis Marcano and the daughter of the late Antonio and Sebastiana Rosa. For 40 years, she was the chief executive officer and director of the Helping Hand Center, a faith based rehabilitation addiction program for men. She was the Senior Pastor of House of Compassion Church located at 500 Hallet St., Bridgeport. She was an active member of the community as social services and educational coordinator of the Spanish American Development Agency (SADA) from 1972 to 1980 and as president and vice chair in the Civil Service Commission for the City of Bridgeport since 1984 until 2008. For her efforts towards the Hispanic Community, Carmen received many awards and much recognition. She had a Bachelor of Science in Divinity as well as a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. She leaves behind a beloved daughter, Londa Marcano. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Maya Geter, Tanea Coombs and Tavares Jefferson; sisters, Irma Vargas of Orlando, Fla., Lydia Alvarado and Aida Rosa, both of Bridgeport; and one brother, Gilbert Rosa of Bridgeport; and a host of other relatives and friends who will dearly miss her. She was predeceased by a brother, Antonio Rosa Jr. She will lay in state after 8:30 a.m. Saturday, (TODAY) October 31, 2009 with the Burial Service at 9:30 a.m. at House of Compassion Church, 500 Hallet St., Bridgeport. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the House of Compassion Church in loving memory of Carmen. The Commerce Hill Funeral Home, 4798 Main St., Bridgeport.