Carmela Burtell Obituary

Carmela Burtell was a radiant soul whose life bloomed with kindness, grace and beauty. She passed peacefully into the Light on July 7, 2025, in Maui, Hawai'i, embraced by the island winds and the loving presence of her daughters, Ann-Marie and Lauren. Born on March 12, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan she walked this Earth for 86 years as a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, world traveler, and gentle lover of beauty.
She is lovingly remembered by her children-Ann-Marie, Lauren, and Thomas-her daughter-in-law Asha, and her eleven beloved grandchildren: Matthew, Phillip, Tim, Karolina, Julius, Kasia, Chloe, Gabby, Sebastian, Nicholas, and Maximilian. She now reunites with her husband, Joseph Burtell (July 3, 1931–June 2, 2005), with whom she shared decades of companionship, adventures and dedication.
Carmela graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in social work, directing her innate empathy into service. Her truest calling, however, was motherhood, where she offered unwavering love, wise guidance, and devotion to her three children. Her love continues to echo through her grandchildren, each carrying a thread of her heart.
She circled the globe with eyes wide open and spirit attuned. She experienced the Himalayan peaks of Nepal, spirituality of Tibet, the pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China, the rice fields of Bali, the Greek Islands, Hawaiian Volcanoes, the culture of Washington, DC and the exotic wildlife of Australia. Carmela experienced beauty and meaning wherever she went.
In her final chapter on Maui, beginning in 2020, she found peace, tending gardens, morning coffee, enjoying tropical blooms and long coastal drives. She enjoyed delicious fresh island meals, the vibrant Farmer's market, sunset skies and holiday celebrations with her family and friends. Her heart was always filled with gratitude.
Carmela will always be remembered as the one who loved deeply, had a deep connection to God and was devoted to her children. She was a fearless adventurous spirit, listened with presence, had a sharp mind and elegant simplicity. Her spirit, now woven into the stars, echoes in the hearts of all who knew her.