Marie Caruso

MARIE NOVELLO CARUSO- A long-time resident of Orlando, Florida, Marie Caruso passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at the age of 94. Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, she attended Notre Dame College for Women. In 1943 Marie married her husband of 69 years, Austin A. Caruso, who passed away in 2012. Marie was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Cathedral for over 70 years. She was a committed civic leader in the Orlando community, all while raising three active boys. Marie led various community projects and organizations. She helped found the St. James School PTA, was past President of Junior Sorosis, and was a long-time member of the Rosalind Club. She served as a member and past chair of the Orlando Zoning and Planning Commission and then Board. She was the Founding President of Mercy Hospital Woman’s Auxiliary and an active volunteer at Orlando Regional Medical Center. In her later years, Marie served on the Valencia Foundation Board, the Art Advocacy Board for Orlando, and the Central Florida Fair Board. Both Marie and her husband Austin were separately honored by the Orlando Sentinel as their “Man of the Week” and “Woman of the Week.” Marie was a member of the Country Club of Orlando, and the Highlands Country Club of Highlands, NC. She played tennis and enjoyed several competitive bridge clubs. Marie was predeceased by her parents, Nathaniel and Stella Novello, her only sister Anna N. Caruso, and her husband Austin. She is survived by her three sons, Austin Jr. (Carole), Steve (Jill), and Jim (Chris), along with 11 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Also dear to her heart were her nieces, nephews and their children. Marie will be remembered for many things: her smile, confidence, generosity, devotion to church, and her role as a matriarch to her large family. She loved her rose garden, New Smyrna Beach, Italian cooking, crossword puzzles, literature, and global travel. She welcomed people into the community with a warm heart and made those around her feel special and loved.

Viewing will be held at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, 301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd. in Orlando on Monday, December 26 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. The wake service will begin at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services and Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. James Cathedral Church, 215 N. Orange Avenue in Orlando.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the St. James School at 505 E. Ridgewood Street, Orlando FL 32803.