elevated JXvhI Carmela Ballarino Camuti

elevated JXvhI Born: San Piero Patti, Messina, Italy

elevated JXvhI September 16, 1922- Friday May 22, 2020

elevated JXvhI It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Carmela Camuti (nee Ballarino) mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is now embraced by those who have gone before her: her beloved husband Antonino Camuti, her mother Paola Lauria Ballarino and father Giuseppe Ballarino. She also rests with her sisters Maria and Tosca and brother Francesco.  Carmela leaves behind four loving children, Antonietta, Carmelo (Mary), Paolina (Michael) and Alice (Steve).  She will be sorely missed by her grandchildren, Tania, Anthony (Annie), Joren and A.J. and her great grandchildren, Andrew and Ellie. Fondly remembered by her sisters Catena, Giaconda and their families, brother-in-laws Antonio, Tindaro (Antonietta) and many nieces, nephews and friends.Carmela was a force to be reckoned with: strong, determined, inspiring and breathtakingly grounded.  

elevated JXvhI In 1953, Carmela arrived in Canada, through Pier 21 (Halifax), with baby daughter Antonietta, to her awaiting husband Antonino. She traveled directly to Toronto where they lived in Little Italy. Diligently, she navigated her new life by endeavoring to make sense of her new and unfamiliar environment.  With the support of friends and family, they built a life for themselves and their children. Carmela’s commitment to her family was always unwavering. Driven and with uncompromising purposefulness she laboured to enhance the quality of life for her immediate and extended family; welcoming others unconditionally whenever needed. She opened her home to her brother, sister, brother-in-law (s) and their families as they immigrated to Canada. She worked hard and reminded us of our responsibilities to be the best we could be in all we did; it was her bottom line.

elevated JXvhI Carmela personified the words expressed by Amy Tenney: “The world needs strong women.Women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved. Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce. Women of indomitable will.” Her commitment to education made her a strong advocate and ensured that her children accessed opportunities for learning and personal growth. Through many dinner conversations, that expressed a philosophical and religious stance, she inspired others to embrace her passion for thinking. We are reminded today of the gift of life and love that she shared with us unconditionally with insight and reverence. We are grateful to have travelled with her as our mother, our mentor, guide, and life coach. “I will look after you and I will look after anybody you say needs to be looked after, any way you say. I am here. I brought my whole self to you. I am your mother.” (Maya Angelou) This is the legacy she has left for all who had the privilege to know her.

elevated JXvhI So loved.

elevated JXvhI If desired, donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.