Carrie Lucille Caruso

Carrie Lucille (Fumusa) Caruso was born on December 19, 1932 in Madison, Wisconsin, the third of four children born to James and Rose Fumusa. They both immigrated from Sicily and settled in Madison’s Greenbush neighborhood, affectionately called “The Bush” by its many immigrants. The family, friendship, and cultural influences of The Bush in many ways defined Carrie’s life.

Carrie learned from her youth the value of hard work, family values, and sacrificing for others. Growing up in the Depression she learned to be resourceful, frugal, and appreciative of whatever she had. She learned to cook and sew from her mother, even making her own wedding dress! She often spoke fondly of Sunday drives to the countryside where they would stop and pick wild asparagus. Gardens and fruit trees were a life-long treat. In Wisconsin, she especially loved apple season. In Arizona she loved pecans, citrus, and peaches. Carrie always managed to find “the best peaches ever!”

Carrie married fellow Bush resident Alphonse Caruso in 1954 and proceeded to raise 5 very active children in Madison, Fond du Lac, and Tempe, Arizona. She was active herself, loving ice skating, roller blading, and swimming. Along the way she housed many extended family and others she treated as family. As the kids all left the house Carrie found a new calling—Tupperware! Carrie sold her goods at parties all over Arizona with the motto, “You can never have enough Tupperware!” In the process she made many friends, and was promoted to manager, earning many exciting awards and vacations.

Carrie had a strong faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, and spent her later years devoted to her church and to her grandkids. She was always ready to babysit, cook a meal, or take them to the zoo. Carrie spent her final years at Legacy Retirement Community in Mesa. where she will be remembered for the love she showed to all of the residents and staff.

Carrie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Peter and John, husband Alphonse, daughter Carol Caruso, and daughter-in-law Theresa Caruso. She is survived by her brother Mark Fumusa and beloved sister-in-law Suzanne, children Rose Roberts, Patricia Caruso, James Caruso (Marla), and Michael Caruso (Yvette). Carrie was also blessed with 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.