Mary Muscat

She was born on October 30, 1935, in the village of Nadur, Gozo, Malta, to Joseph (Giuseppi) and Assunta (née Mercieca) Vella. It was in Nadur that she met and married her husband, Joseph Muscat. They shared a loving and devoted marriage for 41 years until he preceded her in death in 1995.

A loving and dedicated mother, Mary is survived by her children: Raymond (Veronica) Muscat, Sammy (Cathy) Muscat, Carol Patrick, and Arnold (Kelly) Muscat. She was a proud and loving grandmother to William (Ashley) Muscat, Christine Muscat (Scott Breitenbach), Sister Carmina Rose Muscat, FSE, Kimberly (Christopher) Hladik, Rebecca Scott, Joshua Patrick, Jeremiah Patrick, and Marialena Patrick. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Alicia, Jordan, Benjamin, Veronica, and Oliver, who brought her immense joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Salvina Vella, and her great-grandson Dominik Marian Hladik.

Growing up in Malta during World War II, Mary understood the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the strength of her faith. When she moved to the United States, those values carried her through the challenge of adjusting to a new life and language. Her steadfast resilience became a hallmark of Mary’s life.

While she proudly worked in retail for many years to help support her family, the role she cherished most was being a mother and homemaker. All were welcomed into her home as a place of warmth, care and unwavering love. She loved supporting her children by volunteering at their schools, attending their various activities, and helping their families whenever there was a need.

Mary embraced life with energy and curiosity. She loved to travel, exploring other countries with organized groups, and enjoying day trips with local friends. Some of her most cherished trips were ones with her family at her side; especially introducing her children and grandchildren to their Maltese heritage. She remained active through regular walks and swimming, valuing health and movement well into her later years. She also delighted in making Christmas crafts for her family and was well known for the blankets she lovingly crocheted, each stitch a quiet expression of her care and generosity.

A devout Catholic and a strong prayer warrior, Mary always had a Rosary in hand as she prayed for the many needs of her family and friends. She was an active member of several Parishes throughout her life, beginning with the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul in Nadur where as a child, she could often be found volunteering with the religious Sisters. She raised her family at St. Linus Catholic Church in Dearborn Heights, MI and the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn, MI. After relocating back to Michigan, she became a parishioner at St. Kenneth Catholic Church in Plymouth. Mary’s faith guided her life, and she generously volunteered her time and talents wherever help was needed.

Mary will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, her tireless devotion to family, her kindness to others, and the simple, loving ways she enriched the lives of all who knew her. Her spirit lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives she touched with her gentle soul. She will be deeply and profoundly missed.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, January 5, 2026, at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth, Michigan 48170.

Mary’s family will receive visitors on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a Rosary Service taking place at 7:00 pm.

Visitation will continue at Church on Monday from 10:30 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am. A burial will follow at St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cardiovascular Research Foundation or Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist by clicking on the links below.