Katie Bedami Lorenzo

Katie Bedami Lorenzo gracefully passed away October 4, 2017, just days before her 90th birthday. Katie was born October 15, 1927, in Tampa. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a Funeral Mass following at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Christ The King Catholic Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, with Monsignor Robert Gibbons officiating. Internment at the Italian Club Cemetery will be at a later date. A first-generation Sicilian-American, Katie was the daughter of the late Rosalie and Angelo Bedami and sister to the late Ciro and Joe Bedami as well as her surviving brother, Jimmie Bedami. At the age of 30, Katie became a working college student while balancing an active family life. She majored in elementary education and in 1963 was a charter graduate of the University of South Florida, where she also received her master’s degree in Education. She retired in 1999 from Roosevelt Elementary School. Katie had a passion for sewing, reading and swimming on Sunset Beach, all the way to the jetty. Baking traditional Italian cookies is a legacy she handed down to her grandchildren. Over many years, Katie chronicled her family life in her daily journals. She was a long-time member of the Italian Club and served in the Ladies Auxiliary for many years. Katie was predeceased by her husband, Salvatore J. Lorenzo, and son, Angelo S. Lorenzo. She is survived by daughters Marilyn Lorenzo Yarbrough (Steve) and Kathleen Lorenzo Tetidrick (Don), brother Jimmie, daughter-in-law Martha Jean Lorenzo, and her cherished grandchildren, Aaron Lorenzo (Heather), Angela Lorenzo, Robert Davie Jr. (Ashley) and Ryan Davie, whom she often beat in gin rummy. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and old neighborhood friends. The family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Angels Senior Living at The Lodges at Idlewild, where devoted staff members provided Katie with overwhelming love and affection. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Italian Club Cemetery Fund, 1731 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605 are appreciated.