One of the most important, insightful, and influential persons in my life who assigned me to The New England Home for Little Wanderers for a Coop assignment to devote time and energy to, for, and with troubled children and youthful which I continued for rest of my professional career serving as a track coach, classroom teacher, university professor, and retiring as an Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Dallas Independent School District . In addition she nominated me for The Northeastern University Distinguished Alumni Award in 1983. She shall always be cherished in my Heart. May She Rest In Eternal Peace 🙏🏾

Nancy became my friend over the many years we worked together on mitigation for the impacts of Central Artery construction on the neighborhoods in its path. Among many affected residents, she fought the hardest, longest and perhaps most effectively for relief from the noise, air pollution and the other impacts of heavy construction on residents of the North End. Because she educated herself, she educated others in the process, including the project's leaders and construction contractors. She demonstrated not just how to complain effectively, but also how to work with others to develop solutions that made a difference to residents' quality of life. It was in part in response to Nancy's activism, ingenuity and persistence that the leaders of the project developed mitigation solutions that now serve as models all over the country, and perhaps the world. I miss you Nancy.  May you now rest in peace.

Here’s a picture of Nancy in 2008 receiving her award... 

Nancy and I spent a lot of time together working on the Big Dig.  She was a defender of the North End and I represented the West End.  Whenever I saw her after that project ended, we always said we needed to get together for coffee...unfortunately we never did.  Nancy was a feisty lady, but she was always a reasonable lady.

Rest In Peace Nancy.

Jane Forrestall

So sorry to hear of Nancy's passing . She was an inspiration for  many, including me,  and a change agent for the  public interest.  The North End was fortunate to have her in its corner.  As a woman who was a fighter without apology, she maintained the vigilance that kept the North End a vital neighborhood of Boston.  She had class and sass. She will be missed. As a woman of faith, her virtues defined her. Rest in Peace Nancy. You earned it.  

Among Dr. Caruso’s passions was Northeastern University. She held two degrees from Northeastern, a BA in accounting and a Master of Education.  She was also recognized for her outstanding accomplishments with an honorary degree in 2000. 
Her time at Northeastern was marked by countless milestones, including appointment as the first female coordinator of the co-op education department and the first female president of the university’s alumni association, paving the way for the future generation of women in the Northeastern community and beyond. She created the Nancy J. Caruso Scholarship Fund, providing scholarship recipients with unforgettable experiences they otherwise might not have. Dr. Nancy J. Caruso will be mourned by the Northeastern community as a beloved friend, educator, and pioneer.



You will always be the 'Woman of the Year' in all of our hearts. You will be missed.

Love Lorraine Bennett and sons

-From Lorraine and her Sons John, Darren, David and Joshua

To my Aunt Nancy whom we called 'Dynamite'

We were all sadden to hear of your sudden passing. You were such an influence on my life and my sons' even though we were out of state. If we were not visiting you physically, you were always on our minds and hearts. Sadly, in our last visit four years ago, I presented to you my rendition of the 'Woman of the Year' trophy shaped as an angel. You were so surprised and thrilled for the thought.

I remember you invited my son Joshua, sister, brother-in-law and myself to attend the 'Woman of the Year' event in your honor similar to New York. How proud I was to know such a 'woman' who changed our world and others'. God took his angel home. We love you and will never forget you.

Love always, 
Lorraine and sons


I was one of those "Officials" that Nancy dealt with at the Central Artery Project.  We had a great relationship with each other that spanned those years of construction.  While she was a tough champion for the North End community, she was always fair and always listened and she walked in my shoes when we disagreed   and taught me how to walk in her shoes.  With that approach, we had a "win/win.   I was dedicated to the future vision for Boston and the region,  Nancy made sure it would not be at the expense of the North End Community.  I cherished her comments about me delivered at my retirement party and they mirrored mine of her.  She is a giant in my memories of the Giant Project!
Thank you Nancy, for the great memories and stories
Bob Albee


Rest in peace, Miss Nancy Caruso.

 I will long appreciate your help with my placements in Cooperative Education. Thank you for shaping my work habits !

 B.A. Psychology, Northeastern University (1971).  B.S. Accounting, Central Connecticut State University (1982). 


I am very saddened to hear of Nancy’s passing.  Since moving to Florida,  I lost contact with her.  The North End has lost a giant insofar of her dedication to the preservation of the quality of life for her North End Neighbors.  Nancy and I were Co- Chairs of the North End /  Waterfront Center Artery Committee and as a result spent many hours, days, and years together.  I became very fond of her and developed a special and caring relationship.  Nancy was fearless and never accepted “no” for an answer when working with the Central Artery officials.  Nancy retired from  a distinguished career at Northeastern University, and instead of living a laid back life, she chose to better her Community.  She will be deeply missed by all.  May God bless and keep her!  RIP Nancy. 

Domenic Piso

Nancy was a force of nature.  She forged a remarkable path at Northeastern and as a community activist at a time when women faced many challenges.  She was a dedicated and supportive Board member for the Paul Revere House and she was a friend and mentor to me.  Nancy was a fierce advocate for the North End, a community she loved deeply.  I will miss seeing her racing along the sidewalk headed to a meeting or community gathering; stopping only to pick up a loaf of bread or other item from a favorite shop.

Your work is done Nancy, rest in peace.

I moved into the North End about sixteen years ago and have lived next door to Nancy ever since.  She was one of the first to welcome me - always out and about, ready to chat about the ongoings in the neighborhood.  Though I wasn't a born-and-bred North Ender, she always told me and made me feel like I belong here.  I'll miss hearing North End gossip in front of our buildings, and her welcoming smile.  My condolences to her family - the North End truly has lost a legend.

AUNT NANCY WE ARE SO TERRIBLY SADDENED TO HEAR OF YOUR PASSING... I HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF OUR LUNCHES TOGETHER AT LEGAL SEAFOOD... (ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES)... I’M SO VERY SORRY THAT WE COULD NOT HAVE SPENT MORE TIME TOGETHER:-( YOUR STORIES WERE ALWAYS SO VERY VERY  INTERESTING TO ME... YOU WERE SO INCREDIBLY INTELLIGENT!!! YOU WERE AN AMAZING WOMAN NANCY CARUSO... GOD BLESS YOU~~MAY YOU REST IN INTERNAL PEACE... WITH ALL OF OUR LOVE~~CARMEN, KIMBERLY, CASSANDRA & JILLIAN XOXO 

By Carmela Bottari,


Rest In Peace Nancy.


From:  Steve J. Bottari 


               Nancy many thanks for your All.



So sorry to hear that Nancy has passed.  She lived a long and productive life for the neighborhood and the world at large.  The North End (and Endicott St.) has lost yet another pillar of the community. 

Sending thoughts and prayers for Nancy and her family.  

- janine coppola


OBITUARY

Nancy J. Caruso

July 16, 1929 – November 20, 2020

J.S. Waterman Langone Chapel

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