Carmella Dorothy Inserra, a believer in Jesus Christ went to be with the LORD on August 16. 2024. She was a loving wife, a devoted mom, a gracious grandmother, grateful great grandmother and faithful friend to everyone’s life she touched.

Mom loved showing kindness to others. After she graduated college, she worked as a social worker. She shared with her family how it hurt her seeing the poor conditions and roach invested apartments where her clients lived. Mom’s fear of bugs did not deter her from visiting them weekly to help them obtain needed food, medical help, education, and community resources that would improve the quality of their lives. Her compassion for others did not dissipate despite difficult days. Friends that visited mom in the hospital remarked how she still smiled and always encouraged them.

Mom loved her family and friends. During holidays she prepared delicious meals for family gatherings. Mom’s home was a refuge where there was plenty of love and laughter. Mom was a child at heart. Her grandchildren found so much joy swimming in her pool and sinking the inner tube their grandma was floating on. Mom laughed as she retaliated by splashing them and dunking them under the water. She played store with her granddaughters pretending to be an annoying obnoxious customer. I delighted to hear my daughters giggle because of mom’s antics.

Her love of playing games continued even through her declining health. The family still gathered on Sundays and played Bingo and as you guessed Mom won most of the games. Mom also enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and although she lost some dexterity in her fingers, she still managed to complete them with her family’s help. Mom never stopped enjoying life and treasuring the time she spent with family and friends. Mom’s playful sense of humor and cheerful spirit have blessed our family with such unforgettable memories.

Mom endured the challenges of life with an unwavering faith. When I ran the one-mile race in high school my mom would come to all my track meets and stand and clap for me although I usually came in last place. After the race, she treated me to a chocolate sprinkled vanilla ice cream cone and told me that she was proud of me for always finishing the race.

Mom showed me this no quit spirit these past several years. Her muscles atrophied but she continued to struggle to walk. Mom was a fighter. I will never forget Easter Sunday a few years ago when mom and our family walked around her neighborhood. She was assisted by her walker, and she had to stop to rest every few steps to catch her breath. Still, she smiled as she praised the LORD for the pretty purple flowers and for being out in the fresh cool air of Spring. Mom loved the outdoors and to marvel at the beauty God created.

Mom loved music, She decided to learn to play the piano when I was about 10 years old. She always involved me in her pursuits. I would sit with her on the wooden piano bench as she taught me where to place my fingers so I can play songs like “Doe a Dear, Twinkle little Star and Row Your Boat.” I can still close my eyes an imagine her hitting the keys and her playing the song “When the Saints Coming Marching Home.”

Mom loved Jesus. She was actively involved in her church before her health failed her. She taught the children Sunday School, she volunteered for Vacation Bible, she delivered, meals to shut ins, she visited the sick at the hospital and she helped her husband care for the infirmed at the nursing homes.

Her faith never wavered during the past several years despite her failing health. She would always have a smile even though she was in pain. She would sing songs and praise the LORD. She would always tell her family and friends she prayed for them constantly. She never stopped sharing her faith with others hoping they would come to understand the love of Jesus that she knew so well. Mom’s faith and love for Jesus endured the trials of this life and now she is sitting at the feet of Jesus worshiping him for eternity.

A Public Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am with Funeral Services at 10:30 am at the Cooper City Church of God located at 9191 Stirling Road, Cooper City, Florida 33328.  Interment Committal Services will be 1:00 PM at Vista Memorial Gardens, 14200 NW 57th Avenue, Miami Lakes, FL 33014

Arrangements by Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care