Kathleen M Caruso

Kathleen M. "Dee" Caruso cared deeply for others and showed her love every day to her family and the many people she helped through her professional and volunteer work.

She died peacefully under hospice care on September 12, 2026, after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. She lost her memory but never lost her impulse to help others and express her love.

She was born on June 27, 1947, in Marion, Ohio, to John H. and Cathrine Hanley.

Dee attended St. Mary Grade School in Marion and Marion Catholic High School, graduating in 1965. She was a cheerleader for the school's football and basketball programs.

Dee continued her education at St. Mary's College in Cleveland, Ohio, and later graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in dental hygiene. She worked as a dental hygienist in Marion, Sandusky, and Toledo, Ohio. She concluded her dental career as the manager of a dental practice in Sylvania, Ohio.

Dee married James Caruso in 1968 at St. Mary's Church in Marion. They had two children, J. Douglas (Julia) of Dublin, Ohio, and Gina Frazzini (Michael) of Seattle, Washington.

Dee devoted much of her life to serving others. She volunteered with Mobile Meals, Girl Scouts, Heartbeat of Toledo, and the St. Patrick Historic Church food bank. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Patrick's and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

Dee's family was the most important part of her life. She treasured the time she spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren, and took great pride in the people they became. Her love, kindness, generosity, and commitment to others will be remembered by all who knew her.

Dee is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren: Lena Caruso, Isabella Caruso, Sofia Frazzini, Peter Frazzini, and Liliana Frazzini. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Boudoris (David) of Perrysburg; her brothers, John Hanley (Sandy) of Mentor, and Thomas Hanley (Karyn) of Lewis Center; her brother-in-law Daniel Berridge of Beaver Creek; brother-in-law William Caruso of Marion; sister-in-law Sandra Borland (Rick) of Morral; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Carol Berridge; and sister-in-law Nora Caruso.

Dee leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will continue through her family and the many lives she touched. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Our family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the care providers at the Grove at Oak Leaf Village and at Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their care and compassion and especially to Darla Perry for her excellent care and friendship.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4-7 PM, with a Vigil Service at 7 PM, at the Walker Funeral Home located at 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Little Flower Catholic Church, 5522 Dorr St., Toledo, at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Internment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 5725 Hill Ave., Toledo.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials in Dee's name be made to Heartbeat of Toledo, 3950 Sunforest Court, Ste 104, Toledo, Ohio, 43623 or to Catholic Charities, One SeaGate, Ste 2300, Toledo, Ohio, 43604.