Mary Katherine Fruia Rizzotto

Mary Katherine was a beloved wife, devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandma and great grandma.

Mary Katherine was born on February 8, 1922, she was the oldest daughter of Sam Fruia and Jennie Brocco Fruia. Mary was raised in Houston’s East End. She attended and graduated from Austin High School. Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, Carlo Rizzotto, on July 7, 1940. They were married for 64 years until Carlo passed away in 2005. They affectionally called each other “Honey” every single day for 64 years! After Carlo’s service in the Army, they built a home and moved to Houston’s North Side where they raised their family.

Mary was a homemaker and a fabulous cook – you never found a “store bought” cake, pie or cookies in her house. She made everything from scratch daily. Sunday dinner was a must in her house – pasta, meatballs, fried chicken, sweet potatoes and bread – Every Sunday!!

Although she never was licensed, she was a self-taught beautician. She fixed hair for family and friends at home for years.

Mary Katherine, also known as Mary Doll , had many, many good friends throughout her life. She was a faithful member of the Tapawingo Club and The Ladies Sacred Heart until the clubs disbanned.

Her lifelong friends included Rosalie Orlando and Mary Jo Quartaro Dimiceli.

Mary loved to play poker or any game where betting money was involved. She loved winning. She also loved playing Bingo.

Mary Katherine is predeceased by her parents, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sam Rizzotto and Carrie Calamusa Rizzotto, her sisters, Bonita Fruia Tamborello, and Josephine Fruia Riddle, her loving husband, Carlo, her son-in-law Carl Bilsky, granddaughter Mary Jeanette Guzzetta and granddaughter-in-law Jamie Rizzotto.

Mary Katherine is survived by her brother-in-law, The Most Reverend Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto, her son, Sammy Rizzotto and wife Denise Rizzotto, her 2 daughters, Carolyn Rizzotto Bilsky and Jennifer Rizzotto Guzzetta and her partner, Brad Niemi.

She is also survived by grandchildren, Sammy Carl Rizzotto and fiancé Carolyn Cox, Ted Bilsky and wife Judy Bilsky, Steve Guzzetta, Jr., Kimberly Bilsky, and Stephanie Guzzetta Lyle and husband J. Lyle, Sean Sladek and Ryan Sladek.

She was affectionally called Big Grandma by her Great Grandchildren, Colby Bilsky, Jeremy Rizzotto and wife Chessa Rizzotto, Lucas Rizzotto, Chandler Bilsky, Grant Guzzetta, Luke Guzzetta, Laney Lyle, Lance Lyle, Camryn Guzzetta and Avery Sladek. A Great -Great Grandson Rizzotto is due in February 2021.

Honored to be pallbearers for their Great Grandma are Colby Bilsky, Jeremy Rizzotto, Lucas Rizzotto, Chandler Bilsky, Grant Guzzetta, Luke Guzzetta and Lance Lyle.

Honorary pallbearers are her grandsons Sammy Carl Rizzotto, Ted Bilsky, Steve Guzzetta, Jr., J. Lyle. Sean Sladek and Ryan Sladek.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, services will be limited to immediate family only. A celebration of life will be held later in 2021 for all extended family and friends.

In the spirit of Christ, Carlo and Mary gave unselfishly to all of those in need. Their faith was the cornerstone of their generosity and devotion to St. Joseph by feeding the poor on St. Joseph Feast Day each year.

In lieu of flowers, donations, in honor of our Mother, may be made to Cypress Assistance Ministries, 11202 Huffmeister Rd., Houston, Texas 77065 – Attention: Martha Burnes.