Catherine Caruso Sperando, age 86, passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was a native of Birmingham, Alabama, born on January 10, 1938, and was one of four children. She married Steve Sperando in 1961 and was married for 62 years. Catherine was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
She attended Norwood Elementary School and South Highland Middle School. She graduated from Ramsey High School in 1955 and then attended Samford University (Howard College) where she received a bachelor’s degree with a major in mathematics and a minor in science. She received her Master of Education from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Catherine taught for over 40 years, sharing her love of mathematics with students at several high schools in the Birmingham area: Phillips, Ramsey, Banks, John Carroll Catholic, and Shades Valley. She also taught mathematics at Jefferson State Community College. She served on the Executive Councils for the Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ACTM), the Central Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics (CACTM), and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
Catherine was very committed to her Catholic faith. She shared her faith with others through her involvement in the parish life at the Cathedral of St. Paul where she served as a lector and was a member of the Cathedral Altar Sodality and St. Joseph Guild. Catherine was also an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for patients at St. Vincent’s Ascension Health Birmingham.
She was devoted to her family, making the care of husband and children a priority. Her extensive genealogy research on the Caruso and Sperando family trees have brought extended family members together from the U.S. and Sicily.
Her calming presence, listening heart, and loving spirit were experienced by all who knew her. Catherine enjoyed hosting Sunday family dinners where her pasta and sugo (soo-ga) were legendary. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends and was noted for her catering business that specialized in the decoration of wedding cakes. Italian cooking and making Italian pastries were family traditions that she made sure were passed to her children and grandchildren. Catherine will be missed by all. (genealogy)
She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Sarah Caruso; her brothers Vincent (Bonnie) Caruso and Paul Caruso; her nephew, Louis Caruso; and son, Michael Sperando.
Catherine is survived by her husband, Steve Sperando; three daughters, Gina (CD) Lackey, Sarah (Roland) Burns, and Sister Tonette Sperando, OSB; grandchildren, Steven (Hayley) Lackey, Thomas (Julynn) Burns, Sean (Elizabeth) Lackey, and Joseph Burns, Navy AEAN; great-grandchildren, Slade Knight, Sylas Burns, EmmaGrace Lackey, and Ethan Lackey. She is also survived by her sister, Mickey Caruso, and numerous cousins, extended family, and friends.
Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Visitation will be on Monday, April 22, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with closing prayer at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, April 23, at 9:00 a.m. culminating with her Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Cathedral Life Center, followed by burial at Elmwood Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Cathedral Altar Sodality (2120 3rd Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203), the Italian-American Heritage Society (P.O. Box 381441 Birmingham, AL 35238), or to the Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama (916 Convent Road, NE Cullman, AL 35055).
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6