Carmen Louise Mussatti

BESSEMER, Mich. - Carmen Louise Mussatti, 83, of Bessemer, was peacefully called to heaven on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born on Oct. 17, 1937, to Verner and Fay (Peronto) Juntunen in Escanaba. Carmen attended the Bessemer Schools.

On Valentine's Day 1953, she married the love of her life, Donald Mussatti. Together they raised their eight daughters and filled their home with love and laughter.

Carmen worked at the Bessemer Plywood Plant, the Kmart Store and managed the Sunshine Laundromat and Arcade, but the occupation she was most proud of was being a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.

She enjoyed collecting depression glass, knitting, flower gardening and watching the hummingbirds. She especially enjoyed road trips with her family. Mom could be packed and ready to go in 10 minutes.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents; and stepfather, Reino Erickson. Carmen also lost two daughters, Karen and Dorie; two brothers, Robert and Paul; two sisters, Sherry and Gail; her son-in-law, John Conley; her father-in-law, Charles Mussatti; and her in-laws, Charles and Opal Mussatti, Joyce and Pete Aspinwall, and Robert and Janet Mussatti.

Carmen was also preceded in death by a special sister-in-law and best friend, Marilyn DeCarlo. Many hours of talking, playing cards and casino trips were enjoyed by these two adventurous souls.

Carmen is survived by her husband, Donald; six daughters, Janet (Cliff) Griffin, Donna Conley, Brenda (Denny) McIntyre, Carla (Russell) Neice, Joyce (Chip) Halverson and Debbie (Greg) Massoglia; a sister, Rosanne (Bill) Ferrari; and her sister-in-law, Arlene Juntunen.

Carmen is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Jeannine, Donald, Jamie, Karen, Crystal, Todd, Shawn, Ryan, Carly, Erin, Russell Jr., Erik, Bobby and Tate. Carmen was also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandbaby due in March.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer will be her final resting place.

The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to the Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, Regional Hospice and Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield.