Carmelina Julia Cilia Cassar, age 94, of Plymouth, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026. She was born in Hamrun, Malta, and later made her home in Michigan, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others.

Carmelina bravely immigrated to the United States knowing only her husband and her sister and not yet speaking English. With courage and determination, she embraced the challenge of building a new life in a new country, a journey that reflected her strength and resilience.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Cassar, as well as her parents and eight of her nine siblings.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her children, Anna Cassar (James Lederer), Anthony Cassar (Gayle Cassar), Johnny Cassar (Rose Cassar), and Charles Cassar (Bridget Cassar); and her granddaughter Julia Atallah (Joel Atallah).

A devoted homemaker, Carmelina found joy in caring for her family and creating a warm and welcoming home. Though small in stature at just 4'8", she had an incredibly big heart and a feisty side as well. She loved crocheting, knitting, sewing, gardening, and baking, and she took great pride in sharing meals during holiday gatherings surrounded by loved ones.

Carmelina was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and was known for her daily dedication to watching Mass, saying many rosaries, and encouraging prayer. Her favorite words of comfort were, "Make the sign of the cross and say three Hail Marys." She had a spirited and fiery personality, and though she could be anxious at times, it was simply a reflection of how deeply she cared for the people she loved. Her kindness, inviting nature, strong convictions in her faith, and gentle sense of humor touched everyone who knew her.

Her legacy is one of compassion, devotion, bravery, and unwavering commitment to caring for others. She will be remembered most for her loving heart and the example of faith and strength she shared with her family and community.

A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, April 2nd at 10:00 a.m., with a memorial gathering beginning at 9:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Loretto Roman Catholic Church, 17116 Olympia, Redford Township, Michigan 48240. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Hospital or Heart to Heart Hospice

Carmelina will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Carmelina's Funeral Liturgy will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 2nd at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, 17116 Olympia
Redford, MI 48240. Visitation Thursday 9:30 a.m. at church. Interment St. Hedwig Cemetery.