Caterina was born October 22, 1949 in Roccella Ionica, Italy to Giuseppe Lombardo and Gina Lombardo (Ursino). Caterina spent her carefree and happy childhood in Roccella with her four siblings, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. After high school her adventurous spirit took her to Rome, where she studied Finance and Economics at the University of Rome. It was during her studies in Rome that her father died. Shortly thereafter in August 1969 her mother Gina moved with her 5 children to the United States.
For the first few years in the U.S. Caterina worked at a large bank in New York City and learned to fluently speak the English language. Then in 1973 Caterina married and began family life, her most cherished role. She had her first daughter (Francesca) in 1976, her second daughter (Jean Nicole) in 1977 and her third daughter (Kathryn) in 1978. Her life was entirely devoted to her family.
She was a stay-at-home mother until Francesca was in middle school, and then she was only 5 minutes away while she worked in the family’s Italian market. The market was like a second home for the girls and they worked there alongside their parents during their teenage years. As her girls grew up and got married and began families, Caterina made sure her they knew she would always be there for them. She was the strength and the core of her family.
Her family always remained her priority and she radiated love to her children and grandchildren. She was there for every event and special occasion and took many wonderful vacations with her children and their families. Over the years Caterina created many happy memories that her children and grandchildren will treasure forever.
Caterina was one of a kind. She was filled with beauty, kindness, grace and a generous spirit. She was loved and treasured by family, friends and co-workers.
Caterina is survived by her mother, Gina Lombardo; her sisters Enza Zino and Anna Maria Scali; her brothers Pasquale and Domenico Lombardo; 3 daughters and their spouses, Francesca Alvaro and Felipe Espinosa, Jean Nicole and Pierluigi Pippi, and Kathryn and Javier Estevez; and 5 (soon to be 6) grandchildren.
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