Carmeline Gonsalves

Carmeline Gonsalves, lovingly known as “Buddie Girl,” was the youngest of seven siblings and the heart of her family. Raised in Kurla and educated at Holy Cross High School, she was known from a young age for her gentle spirit, warm smile, and deep faith in God.

At the tender age of seven, on January 1st, 1968, Carmeline met with a life-altering accident when her leg was caught under the wheel of a horse-drawn carriage, a moment that nearly cost her her life but ultimately revealed her extraordinary courage and God’s protecting grace.

She completed her matriculation in 1979, worked as a secretary, and on January 15, 1994, married Bonny Gonsalves—a kind, God-fearing man and a teetotaler, the one quality she deeply valued and sought in her life partner. Their 31 years of married life were marked by love, faith, simplicity, and mutual devotion. Her world revolved around Bonny and their beloved daughter Cornelia.

Carmeline worked at Rolta for nearly a decade, commuting daily from Malvani to Cuffe Parade, a long and demanding journey she undertook with quiet determination and gratitude.

Guided always by Mother Mary, Carmeline migrated to Canada in 2009. After renting a room at her godmother Joyce's place for some time, she and her family rented here and there, until Juliet and Nelson kindly offered them a place to stay. This generous support gave them the starting leg they needed to finally buy their own house in 2011.Despite all the hardships of moving to a new country, it never made anything less of their faith, determination, and gratitude.

Just two years later, in 2011, she achieved one of the greatest milestones of her life—she purchased the home she so lovingly cherished. As a devout Catholic, Carmeline had always prayed for a home that faced the church, and in His perfect timing, God answered her prayers. That house became more than a place to live; it became a sanctuary of faith, hospitality, and love—a home where prayers were whispered, hymns were sung, and everyone was welcomed with open arms.

When it came to education, Carmeline always stood firmly by her daughter, supporting her through every step until she successfully graduated from high school in 2012. She then encouraged her daughter to choose her own path in life, one that both parents wholeheartedly supported—financially and emotionally.

Though far from home, her heart remained closely connected to India. After the loss of her two brothers in 2012, Carmeline, together with her sisters Bernadette and Florence, stood united in faith and love, becoming the glue that held the family together. She faithfully stayed in touch with family, friends, cousins, and relatives, offering prayers, comfort, and encouragement to all.

Her life took on new meaning when her niece Nymphia and husband Clayton migrated to Canada and were blessed with their son Nyon, who became a source of immense joy and love in Carmeline’s life. She adored him deeply and held him especially close to her heart.

She loved opening her home to others. Carmeline found great joy in hosting family and friends, cooking generous meals, and celebrating togetherness. Her freezer—and her heart—were always overstocked with abundance, ensuring no one ever left her home hungry or unloved.

Carmeline’s joy deepened immeasurably when her daughter Cornelia found her lifelong companion in Enzo—a young man she welcomed into her heart as though he were her own son, loving him with the same fierce tenderness she gave her children.

With Enzo in their lives, Carmeline’s happiness felt truly complete: he became her trusted confidant, the quiet pride of her later years, and a living blessing she thanked God for every day. Then, when their precious granddaughter Zoie arrived, Carmeline’s cup overflowed with a gratitude too vast for words.

Zoie was truly her whole world.

There was nothing more beautiful than watching them together—Nana Carmeline and little Zoie kneeling side by side, praying, singing their favourite hymns, and passing on that deep faith. It was pure grace, the kind of love that touched everyone who saw it.

Carmeline cared for Zoie with every bit of her heart: feeding her patiently, preparing meals, keeping a watchful eye on her every moment, and meeting every small need with quiet, endless love.

Zoie adored her Nana Carmeline completely, and Carmeline loved her sweet Dolly Zoie in a way that words could never quite capture.

She was also deeply blessed by her godchild Thomas Gonsalves, who remained a pillar of strength and support to her through the years.

One of the most treasured memories for the family will forever be the last meal Carmeline lovingly hosted in her home, celebrating 14 years of her house, shared with Nymphia and Clayton’s Family, Thomas, Reuben and Rhea—a moment of warmth, laughter, and love that will remain etched in their hearts forever.

Her greatest joy was her family. She held her grand-nephews and grand-nieces Erika, Nyon, Brielle, Calum, and Zoie close to her heart, praying for each of them daily and surrounding them with unconditional love.

On Christmas morning, December 25, 2025, Carmeline was gently called home by the Lord. On the day the world celebrated Christ’s birth, God chose His faithful servant to return to Him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.”

— Matthew 25:23

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Amen. 🙏