Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Mary Carmelina Nemecek
Mary Carmelina Nemecek
Obituary
Guest Book
Mary Nemecek Obituary
She was born Maria Carmelina Aquilina on June 9, 1925, on the island country of Malta, to Ricardo and Rosaria (Cutajar) Aquilina. She endured World War II and the worst bombing campaign of the war on Malta. In 1948, she became a GI bride and moved to Detroit, when she married Joseph M. Fasi, a Maltese immigrant, who returned to his home country after the war in search of a bride.
Carmelina became a single mother of three young children when her husband passed away on July 17, 1966. She devoted herself to their upbringing and making many material sacrifices. Her greatest legacy is the faith she passed on to her children and nine grandchildren. She then married William Joseph Nemecek on Oct. 4, 1974.
Carmelina's desire to be of service to others led her to reach out to many people. There were no strangers in her life, only friends she had not yet met. A loving woman who was always reaching out to those in need, she has left a legacy of faith and love built on deeds and kindness. Her hugs were famous, as were her smile and genuine greeting to anyone she met. She frequently left her trademarked lipstick imprint on our cheeks, and as a seal on her cards. She always left an impression on the lives of everyone she touched.
Carmelina was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids, where she taught religious education for many years. She was also an active member of Michigan Right to Life, volunteered at Meadowbrook nursing home in Bellaire and volunteered at Munson Hospital for over 28 years. The American Cancer Society was one of her special causes in which she volunteered and actively raised funds. She actively supported many other local charities.
Her Roman Catholic faith, her family, befriending people and Munson Hospital were her passions. She spoke with everyone she met, regardless of station in life or occupation, and forever after considered them her friends. The walls of her home are covered with photos of her family and her faith.
Carmelina is survived by her husband of 35 years, William; her three children, Joseph M. Fasi II (Lynn Fasi), Richard Fasi (Lori DuCheney Fasi), and Roseann Fasi; and her precious and much-loved grandchildren, Anthony Fasi, Boyd Coleman, Shannon Fasi, Carmelina Coleman, Marisa Coleman, Christina, Rebecca, Victoria and Laura Fasi.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters, all who remained on the island of Malta.
Visitation will be held at Reynolds-Jonkoff Funeral Home on Friday, Sept. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., with a vigil service at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme on Saturday at 11 a.m., with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Elk Rapids.
In lieu of flowers, Carmelina's family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice.
The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
RICK RICHTER
August 28, 2021
A most wonderful human being that has left an imprint on the heart of anyone she has ever met. She will never be forgotten as her love lives on in us all only to shared and passed down to all the generations to follow.
A true “gift” from God.
Sandra Wheelock
September 15, 2008
Dear Rich, We were very sorry to learn about the passing of your mother. Even though we did not meet, I know she was an admirable person because of the obvious love and respect you expressed when you spoke of her. We are very sorry for your loss and you are in our prayers.
The Wheelock Family
Mary Patricia (Pat) Nichols
September 15, 2008
To the Family:
I met "Aunt" Carmelina on the occasion of the Portelli/Koscierznski wedding last October. Although this was my first and only encounter with her, she "loved on me" as though I was family. I will cherish her memory.
Rick Richter
September 13, 2008
Dear Roseann and all family... How can I express the sorrow I feel for what you must all be going through. I can only imagine the intense pain because I myself feel that... and I was only fortunate to know and love her as a friend... where as you all had the distinct pleasure and honor of calling her Ma or Nana... When a time for words doesn't really help I need to repeat what you have heard so often... that she truly is in a better place. A place where WE can only HOPE to one day be.
She truly was an angel here on earth and I will forever remember her smile and laughter...
May she pray for all of us.. and may we all "go on" in life as she would want us to. I am so blessed to know all of you but as for meeting and knowing her... I can simply say....as Carmelina would say....."Tank God"
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mary Olson
September 11, 2008
Dear Joe,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your dear Mother. It's been years since I've seen Carmelina but recall when she welcomed us into her home, it was filled with artifacts of her family and friends. As a heartfelt thank you for letting us use the pontoon boat in order to tour Torch Lake, I sent her a photo frame in which to add to her collection. Although distant from her family in terms of miles, she was always near in spirit and spent our visit reminiscing about her children and grandkids. She was an angel on earth and no doubt will continue in that role. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Mark & Patty Evans
September 9, 2008
Dear Rich & family: We have many warm memories of Nuh-na and the kids growing up. She was a dear person and certainly left her mark on every life she touched. Peace.
Nikki Behling
September 8, 2008
Rosie and Family- my thoughts and deepest prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. I am happy however that your mother's beautiful grace is with the Lord and that she can now guide you as the wonderful angel she always was. Many blessings to all of you.
Mike Wright
September 8, 2008
To Roseann and family, please accept our deepest sympathies for your great loss. I mostly knew "Mrs. Fasi" as a boy at St. Suzanne's in Detroit, when we were hanging around the school during plays or driving down Westwood on bikes trying to act like we didn't know Roseann lived there. She was always quick with a smile and hello. Many years have passed since then, but from what I know and have read of Carmelina, she was a wonderful, devoted, loving and fun-loving woman who lived a full and happy life, in great part owing to her familiy. May God hold you in the palm of his hand during this difficult time, and leave you with nothing but happy memories of deep love. My prayers are with you.
Ed, Margaret, and Carlotta Podworski
September 7, 2008
Dear Richard, Shannon, Tony and Bill,
We were so sorry to hear of Carmelina's passing, she was so precious to all of us and the last time I saw her, I prayed for her every night. She gave so much to so many people and we were blessed with her memory and many red lipstick marks on our cheeks. I still remember when we first met her at Tony and Carlotta's First Communion celebration at St Francis church. She never changed in 20 yrs. We are so blessed to have met her and she is passing red lipstick kisses all over heaven. Her obituary was such a beautiful tribute to her and her family. Be comforted by her enormous love for all of you. We will greatly miss her, but the world is a better place for her having been a part of our lives. We will have a mass said for her at St Francis Church. Love you all, Margaret, Ed and Carlotta
Judy (Krygowski) Chops
September 7, 2008
I have warm childhood memories of holiday time spent together; some at your home and some at my Grandmother's and Aunt Margie's. Your Mom is remembered as a wonderful, unique woman by me and my siblings. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shirley Godiwalla
September 7, 2008
Dear Joe and Family,
Our heart felt sympathies to all of you. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Pam and Doug Chichester
September 7, 2008
Dear Bill, Joe, Richard, and Roseann,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we all say a sad good-bye to our "angel on earth", Carmelina. Years ago, I took on the privelage and monumental task of following Carmelina in teaching her 3rd grade CCD class at Sacred Heart in Elk Rapids. She was an inspiration and wonderful mentor and did such a wonderful job with two of my three children when she was part of their faith jouney in their younger years. She has been such a source of love and support to our family and we will miss her so much. We are all better people and truely blessed for having had Carmelina in our lives. I know she is happy in heaven right now and I know, too, that she will happily intercede for us as we continue to follow the God she so loved and served all of her life. God bless you all and grant you peace with all the wondeful memories you have of such a terrific wife and mother. Love and prayers.
Kristine Warner
September 6, 2008
Dear Roseann and family,
My heart is filled with sorrow knowing the grief you must be feeling at this time. I am saddened that I had never had the honor of knowing such a wonderful woman. Heaven is a much better place graced with such an angel. What a lucky family to be blessed with her presence and now to have her walk beside you, protect and watch over you. My thoughts and prayers are with you throughout these dark moments. Keep the memories alive and joy in your heart, as she wishes you to live life to the fullest. We do not always get the answers we are looking for but trust that the Lord has a grand plan and is experiencing one of your mother's famous hugs at this very moment.
My appologies for not being able to be there with you in person. Trust I am praying for you all.
With love,
Kristine Warner and family
Suzie Pearman
September 6, 2008
Roseann, Rich, Joe: Your mom was a very warm person to have for a next door neighbor growing up, so lively & caring & colorful. I still remember basic words IVA & Le, as in "will Carmelina live on in our hearts?" IVA! And will we ever forget those hugs?" LE! I can almost feel her squeezing my face in her hands when she'd open the door, saying "Ahh, Susabella, come in". So sorry we lost touch. Sounds like she went on to be important in the lives of many others. Take care, you're in my prayers, will say a Rosary for her. Sue (Nicoll) from Westwood
Leslie & Russ Knopp
September 5, 2008
We have to agree with all who have spoke of Carmelina's love. We felt it the minute we met her. She had that special love that just made everyone feel special.
Although we only knew her a short time, we felt the love of a lifetime.
I am smiling now because I am sure she is probably fixing a special dish for the Lord.
We will all miss her.
Dawn Mattocks ( WYZYWANY'S Girl)
September 5, 2008
In a moment's notice the earth skips a beat, drops of rain fall from heaven. Tears of the joy, fill our hearts and the sun bursts through the clouds as an angel embraces your dear mother and our friend Carmelina... She spoke words of wisdom and had enough kindness to tame the world of pain and suffering. Today we are all thankful for those memories....
James & Carol Ann Mulcahy
September 5, 2008
We are with you in thoughts and prayers. Aunt Carmen was loved and will be missed.
Marcella Spoto
September 5, 2008
Dear family of Mary Carmelina:
Our thoughts are with you. We are very sorry for your loss.
Joseph Farrar and Marcella Spoto Farrar
Mary and Bill Stoiber
September 5, 2008
A loving person, a beautiful sacrificial life, a special family. Our love and consolation to you all. Carmelina's life is a beautiful example for all to imitate. Many prayers for the family. Love, Mary, Bill, Katie, David, Emma and Sarah Stoiber
Loretta Kekalos
September 5, 2008
I had the pleasure of meeting Carmelina over ten years ago and am truly grateful for the times we were able to spend together. She was a wonderful person. I could not help but smile as I read the comments written by others. I can picture her smiling, laughing and crying; I can feel her hugs that she shared with everyone and yes, I too wiped lipstick off my cheek on many occasions. Carmelina will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, may you find comfort in knowing that she walks with our Lord, pain free and watching over you.
Sallie Burkard
September 5, 2008
Roseann and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless your family!
Paul and Sallie Burkard
Kathy & Ron Rydberg
September 5, 2008
Our prayers and sympathy to Carmelina'a family. She was so blessed with her faith. We pray for your comfort, peace and healing.
Don & Donna Lobacz
September 5, 2008
Roseann and family,
We mourn the loss of your precious mother, but know that heaven is a brighter place because of her presence there. May the Lord give you the strength that you all need in the coming days.
Mick and Donna Dunn
September 5, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Gary Emmerich
September 4, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Kay Baumann
September 4, 2008
I have a feeling that the Angels are all learning about lipstick. Bill, Roseann, Rich and Joe, you are the luckiest of all to have had Carmelina as your wife and mother. She was very proud of her family and always had new photos to show me of you. I will miss her every day.
Lucy Koscierzynski
September 4, 2008
Although she was a 2nd cousin I called her my Aunt, I loved and respected her deeply. I am a
better human being because of the impact she has had on my life and for that I am eternally grateful to God. Knowing her
was to know love, I will miss her
everyday from now on.
Cindy DuCheney-Bodenstein
September 4, 2008
To Carmelina's family: I was blessed to have known her. She was the type of person that just drew you in and made you feel as if she had known you for many many years. Other than my sister, she is the only other person who called me "Lucinda", but with her soft voice it was spoken with such tenderness. She will be missed by many and her family is in my thoughts...keep an eye on my dad Carmelina ;-)
Mary Ann Mushen
September 4, 2008
Carmelina left a Legacy of Love. Just one moment with her, you knew you were in the presence of Love. She was Jesus with skin on. What an inspiration for us all who are left to do better in our walk with God and our fellow human beings.
Diane Delickta
September 4, 2008
Rich-
Just thinking of your Mom brings a smile to my face. She will be greatly missed by many!
Frank & Nan Woodrich
September 4, 2008
Dear Joe and Family,
Like other friends of Joe's, Nan and I never had the pleasure of meeting his Mom.
But we have known Joe for many years and consider him a dear friend, a loving husband and father and a "Christ follower.
It is apparent from knowing Joe, that his Mom was not only a nurturing and loving mother, but after raising her children, she went on to serve others by sharing her Christian love with everyone she met.
We pray that the entire family will be comforted by knowing that today Mary is looking upon the face of our Savior and there is another angel in heaven.
Tom Trepczyk
September 4, 2008
Joe, my dear brother in Christ, we mourn with you in this great loss you and your family have endured but rejoice that your MOM is now walking and talking with our/her Lord. God bless you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom & Judie
Karen Charnecki
September 4, 2008
Rich and family, thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your mother/grandmother lives in your hearts!
Mike & Carol Bebermeier
September 4, 2008
Joe and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Take comfort in knowing that you had this wonderful woman with you for the time she was here and that she is now watching over and protecting you from above.
Jim Behe
September 4, 2008
Next to my own Mother there was no woman as improtant in my childhood as Carmelina (Mrs. Fasi to all of us kids in the neighborhood). Joe and Rich were a second set of brothers to me. For every PBJ sandwich she made us, every bandage she put on a skinned knee, and every hug I recieved every time I saw her, I will never forget this wonderful lady. God bless.
Christine Clemins
September 4, 2008
I have had the honor of knowing Carmelina's son, Joseph, for over 15 years. Children are a reflection of their parents, and although I've never met Joe's Mom, she must have been a tremendous person, because Joe is truly a great man. I know Carmelina was deeply loved. I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet her to tell her what a fine young man she raised in Joe--and I'm certain of her other children as well. My deepest condolences to the family. May you all find peace and comfort in the memories of your Mom, Carmelina. She'll always be with you in your hearts and minds and will watch over you from Heaven 24/7. Blessings to you all.
Helen & Manny Martinez
September 3, 2008
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of someone so dear. We didn't know her but from others comments we know she will be greatly missed. Heaven has a new angel now.
Mary (Gifford) Rohan
September 3, 2008
I met Mrs. Nemecek 30 years ago and was immediately taken by her warming embrace and smile. Heaven's gain is our loss. My deepest sympathy to the Nemecek/Fasi family.
Mary Multhauf
September 3, 2008
I never had the pleasure of meeting Joe's mom. However I know her son Joe through working with him. He is one of the most endearing, caring and funny guys we have at the firm. A true reflection on what a great mom Ms. Nemecek must have been. Joe, I'm so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences.
George Ovigian
September 3, 2008
With sympathy, and the strongest wishes for peace and comfort.
September 3, 2008
William, Joseph, Richard, Roseann and family:
The brief time that I met Carmelina, was uplifting, so memorable and filled with fun, laughter and thoughts of how wonderful, women like Carmelina are. I know Joseph Fasi, II the best. Clearly you can see what a wonderful influence Carmelina has made on her entire family and everone she met.
I can still hear her laughter. Thank you Carmelina.
May our thoughts and prayers be with your entire family to comfort you.
Mrs. Dawn (Stoller) Balcom
Cindy Powell
September 3, 2008
Joe and Family,
I was never fortunate enough to meet your Mother but spoke with her often on the phone. She was a warm, caring woman who was extremely proud of her son Joe. I'm sure she was just as proud of her other children but never failed to tell me what a wonderful son he was.
God Bless you all,
Cindy Powell
Sandy Fisher
September 3, 2008
Carmelina was one of my strengths during my illness eight years ago and when I lost my mother 15 years ago. She will always have a special place in my heart and I look forward to the time when I will see her again in Heaven.
My deepest and sincerest condolences to Carmelina's family, friends, acquaintances and everyone whose life was touched, even momentarily, by Carmelina. She is with her Lord now and smiling down on everyone of us who had the special privilege of knowing and loving her.
Ralph Cerny
September 3, 2008
I loved the comment about Carmelina's lipstick in the obituary. As CEO of Munson Medical Center I looked forward to making rounds to talk to the staff and volunteers. Noone was more enthusiastic about serving our patients than Carmelina. I always loved seeing her at the outpatient volunteers desk. Every time I saw her there I walked away with lipstick on my face. What a wonderful lady! She had an unmatched love for life. She will be missed.
Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results
305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
Make a Donation
in Mary Nemecek's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Nemecek's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored