Carmen Mary Busuttil

Carmen was the beloved mother to Connie (Lucio), Kathleen (Mark) and Maurice (Kim). Carmen will be dearly missed by her 7 grandchildren,10 great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends.

On February 2, 2026, Carmen was reunited with her beloved husband of 35 years, Maurice. After more than three decades apart, we imagine that reunion was filled with joy and peace.

Born in Malta, Carmen carried the heart of her homeland with her throughout her entire life. In her early twenties, she embarked on a brave and life-changing journey to Canada. Here, she and Maurice built a life in Toronto, Kitchener, and later Roseville. Together, they created not only a home, but a true community hub through the Roseville General Store and Restaurant, which they owned and operated for 23 years.

Anyone who ever tasted Carmen’s cooking knows that she didn’t just make meals—she created experiences. Her food brought people together. It comforted, nourished, and made strangers feel like family. Thousands were touched by her talent, and her family, especially, will forever cherish her Maltese recipes—particularly her beloved Figolli cookies, crafted with love every Easter.

Carmen’s creativity extended far beyond the kitchen. She was an artist in every sense of the word. With knitting needles, a paintbrush, a sewing machine, or a sketching pencil, she created beauty. Her quilts, paintings, ceramics, and handmade treasures filled the homes of those she loved. Many of us are lucky enough to hold something she made—a reminder of her hands, her patience, and her thoughtfulness. And true to her giving spirit, Carmen donated countless blankets and knitted items to charities, especially for children. Her art wasn’t just a hobby, it was a labour of love.

In her final years, Carmen faced challenges of dementia. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at St. Andrew’s Terrace, whose care, patience, and tenderness made all the difference.

Faith was a cornerstone of Carmen’s life. A devoted Catholic, she attended Mass faithfully, supported charitable work, and was a proud member of the Catholic Women’s League for many years. She held a special devotion to the Carmelite Nuns at the Carmel of St. Joseph, whose mission and spirituality resonated deeply with her. Carmen also had a great devotion to the Rosary, which could always be found on her person.

In moments of grief like this, we look for words that can offer comfort. Carmen’s life itself is one of those comforts. And so, we turn to the words of Scripture:

From the words of St. Teresa of Avila, words that reflect Carmen’s own commitment to service:

“You should know that as long as I live, I desire to do something in God’s service.”

Carmen did just that. Through her family, her work, her creativity, and her faith, she served faithfully, quietly, and wholeheartedly.

Today, we honour her life. We thank her for her love. And we find peace in knowing that she is finally home—reunited with Maurice and other family members who have passed before her, embraced by God, and watching over all of us with the same steady, loving heart she carried throughout her life.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Visitation will be held at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrew's Street, Cambridge on Friday, February 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Anthony Daniel Catholic Church, 29 Midland Drive, Kitchener on Friday, February 6 at 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery. A reception will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Carmel of St. Joseph can be made for a mass in Carmen’s honour.

Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila

Let nothing disturb you

Let nothing frighten you

All things are passing away:

God never changes

Patience obtains all things

Whoever has God lacks nothing.

God alone suffices