Maria Rosa (Marisa) Caruso

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Rosa (Marisa) Caruso nee Scorda. Marisa was born on October 1st, 1955, in the small Italian Village of San Nicola D'Ardore, Reggio Calabria, and passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on February 11th, 2024.

Predeceased by her brother Giuseppe, Marisa is survived by her loving husband of nearly 49 years, Vincenzo, her children, Lisa (Pasquale), Pina and Franco and granddaughter Annamaria.

She leaves behind her parents Ada and Salvatore and siblings Sammy (Dale) and Concettina (Matteo), as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family and close friends from Canada and abroad.

Marisa came to Canada in 1968 and celebrated her 13th birthday on the Atlantic Ocean. She attended Sir Charles Tupper High School and after graduation returned to Calabria where she met the love of her life. After working for two years at the Army and Navy Store in downtown Vancouver, she became a dedicated mother to her three children. Marisa worked for 30 years, spending over 20 years at Astorino’s Catering, and the remainder as a food demonstrator in Costco until her retirement.

Sporadic frontotemporal dementia took her away from us too soon. To get away from the burden of this disease, she immersed herself in her passion of watching soap operas until her last days.

Marisa was an excellent cook. She created amazing meals and it brought her great joy to share her creations with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and had the opportunity to visit Italy, New York, Disney World, Windsor, Toronto and went on two Caribbean cruises with her family. We will deeply miss her beautiful smile and the fireworks that sparkled in her eyes when she looked at her granddaughter.

Prayers will be held on Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 2025 Napier Street St. Vancouver. The funeral mass will take place on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will be at 12:30 p.m. at Ocean View, Grand Mausoleum, 2nd Floor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of Maria Rosa Caruso (Marisa).