Carmen M. Gutin

With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Carmen Margarete Gutin on December 17, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida, where she passed peacefully in her sleep. Carmen lived a life defined by strength, resilience, creativity, and a loving devotion to her family.

Born on December 13, 1942, in Düsseldorf, Germany, Carmen grew up in a small town and was raised by a prominent successful doctor along with her four siblings. After immigrating to the United States, she built a life rooted in hard work and unconditional love. As a single mother raising three children, Carmen devoted her life to their well-being, success, and happiness. Her children and family were her life’s purpose, and she carried that devotion proudly throughout her days.

Carmen later met and married the love of her life, Howard Gutin (deceased). During their marriage, she converted to Judaism, embracing the faith with sincerity and deep commitment. She remained devoted to her Jewish beliefs, traditions, and spiritual identity until her final day. Her faith was a source of grounding, comfort, and meaning throughout her life.

She was the daughter of Manfred and Helga Grüssner (née Helga Bergfeld), both deceased, and the granddaughter of Margarete Grüssner. She was predeceased by siblings Karl-Heinz Grüssner, Marion Fowler, and Nora White, and is survived by her siblings Peter Grüssner and Arwed Grüssner.

Carmen leaves behind her children, Inez Dalton, previously married to Thomas (Tom) Dalton, Enrique (Ricky) Fegurgur and Alexander (Alex) Tinsley, married to Ingrid Herman. Carmen's children were the center of her world. She lived every day with the intention of giving them stability, opportunity, and a vision to pursue their dreams. Her strength, persistence, and encouragement became the foundation of her children’s successes.

To her five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Carmen was affectionately known as “Omi.” She brought warmth, stories, comfort, and a deep sense of belonging into their lives. Left to cherish her memory is granddaughter, Jessica (Matthew) White; great-grandchildren, Oliver White, Theodore Howard White (Theodore’s middle name, Howard—after Carmen’s beloved husband—was a source of immense pride for her), Michelle (Hamilton "Clark") Burgess, Henry Burgess, Samantha Fegurgur, Alexander Michael Tinsley aka “her Prince”, and Ava Grace Tinsley.

Carmen was an accomplished watercolor artist, creating many beautiful pieces treasured by her family. Her creativity reflected her deep appreciation for beauty, memory, and emotional expression.

To support her family, she built a strong career in life insurance, demonstrating perseverance, discipline, and an exceptional work ethic. Through her dedication, she provided her children with opportunities she never had, and she stood as their constant source of motivation.

Carmen was truly the matriarch of her family—a steady, loving presence whose wisdom and strength shaped three generations. Her legacy of devotion, resilience, faith, and love will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

In her final years, Carmen was blessed with the extraordinary companionship of her dear friends Vava, Shiela, Pat, and Norman. Their visits, conversations, support, and genuine love brought her immense joy and comfort. Her family is forever grateful for the light these friends brought into her life when she needed it most.

Services for Carmen M. Gutin will take place on Friday, January 2nd, at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 South US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955, with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at Florida Memorial Gardens.

As part of the burial rites, a small mound of earth and shovels will be available for those who wish to participate in the sacred tradition of covering the grave. Earth from the Holy Land will be included as a symbol of blessing and eternal connection.

Carmen’s life was a testament to love—love for her family, for her faith, for art, for tradition, and for the values she upheld. She was a woman of courage, creativity, and quiet endurance. Those who knew her will forever carry the memory of her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering devotion.

May her memory be for a blessing, and may her legacy continue to comfort and guide all who mourn her.