Natalie B. Saragusa

Natalie grew up in the family owned business, Butera Bros. Super Market. She was a graduate of St. Agnes Academy in 1955, and attended Durham School of Business. She went to work for Sam J. Saragusa and Co. Insurance Agency.

She married Anthony J. Saragusa in 1958 and supported him working in the family owned business, Quality Beverage Co., where he eventually became owner and CEO.

Their life had many cherished memories of family, travel, friends, and involvement with many charitable organizations. One of the greatest joys of her life was celebrating the holidays with her entire family at their home in Richmond, Texas. She and Anthony, along with their mothers, would prepare all of the traditional Italian dishes including her father Frank’s original recipe for Italian sausage.

Natalie’s love of the scriptures, her deep faith, prayer, and the sharing of these were at the core of her being.

Honors received were the Celebrity Paws Gala, recipient of the Catholic Bishop’s Diocesan Medal for Meritorious Service, Pacesetters Honoree, Cancer League Inc., Cenacle Retreat House Luncheon Honoree and boards she served on were the Theresians of the United States, National Executive Board, Crohns and Colitis Foundation, Cenacle Retreat House Advisory Core, Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research Executive Committee, Children’s Miracle Network Telethon benefiting Herman Children’s Hospital, Children’s Life Line Telethon benefiting Escape Center, March of Dimes Winter Ball, Glassell School of Art Outreach Committee, and various other civic, cultural and charitable organizations.

She is preceded in death her parents; brother, Michael Butera, and wife Mary Jo, Jack Butera; and father and mother-in-law, John B. Saragusa, and wife Grace.

She is survived by the love of her life, Anthony J. Saragusa; her sons, John B. Saragusa, and wife Patty, Anthony J. Saragusa, Jr., and wife Kim; daughter, Grace A. Saragusa; five grandchildren, John B. “Buddy” III, Madeline, Delaney, Anthony J. III, Katelyn Ellis; brother-in-law, Michael Saragusa, and wife Tami; and numerous nieces and nephews.

“Before you speak of peace, you must first have it in your heart…We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home any who have lost their way.” Saint Francis

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Sunday, the 24th of November, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at seven o’clock.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 25th of November, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston, where Msgr. Frank H. Rossi, Pastor, is to serve as the celebrant.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the nearby Parish Life Center.

The Rite of Committal is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be directed to the Cenacle Retreat House, 420 N. Kirkwood, Houston, TX, 77097.