Catherine "Mamma Mia" Notaro

Catherine “Mamma Mia” Notaro passed away on August 11, 2026 at 93, still singing and dancing… She was born in Caronia, Sicily on January 5, 1933 to the late Francesca Votrico & Vito Campo. She was raised in Messina until WWII ended, and came to the US at age 15. She first worked as a bank teller in Philadelphia, and later learned how to style hair… she apprenticed until she could open her own business, even adding cosmetic sales. Then later in life, she learned a new trade as a tax preparer, and worked for both the IRS and H&R Block. But, deep in her heart of faith, Catherine always wanted to be a nun; she delighted in learning she could join the Third Order of Dominican nuns. She has always served her church community, by becoming a Eucharistic minister, joining the choir, prayer groups, and she even translated a prayer book into Italian in order to lead an Italian speaking prayer ministry. She was rewarded with a precious trip to the Vatican to meet the Pope!

Through it all, “Mamma Mia” was singing and dancing, even learning to play the piano in her later years! She danced around every room she could, using her joy to draw joy out of others. She was a gift & a light, and we will delight in her memory always!

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Angelo Notaro; her sister, Mary Bonanno; brother-in-law, Frank Bonanno; daughters-in-law, Pam Notaro and Elvira Notaro; and, son-in-law, Johnny Sergio.

She is survived by her loving children, Joseph Notaro, Rose James (Milton), Frances Sergio, and Vito Notaro; sister, Marianna Campo (Andrea); and brother, Nino Campo (Guissepina); three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Please join us for Mass at 10:30am on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Clearwater, Florida with a reception to follow in their Colreavy Hall.

Kind condolences may be offered in our “Add a Memory” section of this webpage below.