Carmelita Loretta Meyer, 81, passed peacefully at home in West Richland on Dec. 13, surrounded by her family. She was an exceptionally loving mother and wife until her death. Her love, warmth and laughter will live on in her children and grandchildren.

Carmelita was born March 31, 1934, to Francis and Agatha (Martini) Gonder in Oakland, Md., the eighth of 10 children. She spent most of her childhood in Salmon, Idaho, and then Valleyford, Wash., before graduating from Marycliff High School in Spokane.

Carmelita met David Meyer in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the two married in Spokane in March 1957. A devoted homemaker, Carmelita gave birth to and faithfully nurtured five children. The family made many moves together throughout David’s career in the Navy before settling in West Richland in 1976.

She was a devout Catholic, attending Christ the King Church in Richland. She was proud of her Italian roots, which was apparent in her abundant cooking and baking. As a prolific seamstress and quilter, she was admired for her crafts.

She is survived by her husband, David; her brothers Arthur and George Gonder; her children Kevin Meyer, Roberta and husband John McCollum, Paul and wife Shelly Meyer, Tracy and wife Jinyong Meyer, and Tedra Meyer; her grandchildren Aaron, Andrew, Anju, Chloe, Junhyun and Sora; and the family of Mirka and Patrick Smith.

A mass will be held in her honor at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17, at Christ the King Church in Richland. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date, when friends and family can attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Hospice at The Chaplaincy, 1480 Fowler, Richland, WA 99352 (tricitieschaplaincy.org), the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of choice.