ALTAMONT — Rosemary Richards Caruso, whose door was always open to friends and family alike, died peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center where she had resided since 2019. She was 87.

She was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on Sept. 29, 1937, the daughter of the late Arthur Sherman and Irene G. (née Kennedy) Richards.

A resident of Altamont since 1969, she was employed by Carver Community Counseling Services in Schenectady from 1995 until 2005. In the early 1990s, she was also employed as an office manager for St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.

“While raising her daughters, Rosemary cared for many other children in her home,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Her door was always open to friends and family alike and there was always an extra place available at her table.

“She was a communicant of St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Church in Altamont and was a member of the Helderberg Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star where she served as Matron; the Cyrene Temple Daughters of the Nile where she twice served as Queen; and the Tabitha Temple in Cape Coral, Florida.

“Rosemary will long be remembered by the Altamont community for a column she penned for The Altamont Enterprise called ‘Just Amblin’ Round.’ In her earlier years, Rosemary traveled to Cape Cod to vacation with her family and in later years enjoyed the beaches in Florida where she spent the winter months.

“Rosemary leaves a legacy of love and generosity. Her devotion to her family, friends, and community will forever keep her in the heart of those whose lives she touched.”

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Rosemary Richards Caruso is survived by her daughters, Christa-Marie (Rachel Files) Caruso of Green Island, Elizabeth Anne (late Sherri Milner) Caruso of Altamont, and Cynthia Lynne (Matt) Francis of Altamont; and by her grandson, Nathan Milner; as well as by several nieces and nephews.

Her husband, James P. Caruso, died before her, as did her sister, Nancy (late Sanford) Furr.

“The Caruso family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland for their care and support during Rosemary’s years with you,” the tribute said.

Friends are invited to visit with Mrs. Caruso’s family on Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Church at 109 Grand Street in Altamont.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Reverend Rick Lesser on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 10 a.m. in St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Church. The Rite of Committal and interment will take place on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 12:30 p.m. in the Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery. Those attending are requested to meet inside the cemetery gate at 12:15 p.m. sharp. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attention: Shriners Children’s, Post Office Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394  https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give or to the Altamont Community Food Pantry at St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Church, Post Office Box 678, Altamont, NY 12009.