Louise Y. (Columbro) Caruso

Mrs. Louise Y. (Columbro) Caruso, age 72, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by the love and devotion of her family. Louise was born in Utica on February 1, 1939, the daughter of the late Dominick and Cecelia (Andrisani) Columbro. Raised and educated in Utica, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy Class of 1957. Louise began her career with the New York Telephone Company as an administrative assistant. Concurrently, she modeled in local venues for various fashion stores. It was on February 13, 1965 that she married Dr. Mario A. Caruso with whom she shared 26 years prior to his passing on May 9, 1991; their marriage rested upon the enduring love they held for each other and their mutual values and goals that were beneficial to family life. Louise’s legacy as the loving matriarch of her family will live on in the hearts of her dear ones. She guided her children in their social and ethical decisions, always encouraging them to embrace the virtues of love, hard work, and respect for humanity, values that have proven to be lifelong thoughts in their minds. In turn, her children admired her ability to live a selfless life as she watched over them with such tender and meaningful ways. When Louise was blessed with the arrival of grandchildren she was revitalized and animated by those new loves. Among her many attributes, she was generous of heart and graced with a bright smile that lit up a room. She was a fabulous cook and prepared plentiful meals, welcoming all to her table. She was also lively and light on the dance floor. One of her favorite hobbies was crafting ceramics many of which she bestowed to family and friends. She was also a meticulous gardener carefully tending to her flowers and vegetable plants. Summers at First Lake in Old Forge were memorable for her and a time to bring everyone together in a beautiful and warm environment. Louise served as a Eucharistic Minister at Blessed Sacrament Church and was a current parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Louise is survived by her children, Lucille A. and John Rodriguez of Victor, NY, Dr. Paul M. and Stacey Caruso of Whitesboro, Michelle L. and Thomas Koehler of Clinton and Richard A. and Richelle Caruso of New Jersey. Also in her heart Louise held the memory of her infant daughter who passed away in 1966. She also leaves her adored grandchildren, Andrew M.; Paul M., Jr., Benjamin J., Joshua A.; Nicholas T. and Brandon M., Celia J. and Domenic M.; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, many cousins, and in-laws, Sylvia and Joseph Guarini, Harold and Rita Caruso, and Bernice Caruso. Louise was also blessed with many wonderful and long lasting friendships. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Henry Caruso, Mary and Joseph Gentile, and Philip J. Caruso. The family expresses gratitude to Louise’s aides from Guardian Angels who assisted her in maintaining her well-being, independence, and dignity; also Dr. John Rubin, Dr. John McCormack, and the Emergency Room staff at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, and Hospitalist Dr. Affaf Munir and the caregivers of the Intensive Care Unit. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the Parkinson Unit at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. or the Dr. Mario A. and Louise Y. Caruso Memorial Scholarship Fund at Utica College; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Louise’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Louise Y. (Columbro) Caruso

February 1, 1939 - September 14, 2011