Obituary of Caterina Renna

Caterina Renna, devoted wife, mother and grandmother ("Nonna"), is survived by her children Leonardo, Maria, Nick and Matt, and her beloved grandchildren Michael, Alessia, Mia, Ava, Emilia and Sarah. She is preceded in death by her adored husband, Francesco.

Caterina was born in Conversano, Italy to parents, Nicola and Palma Sibilano. She was considered a "miracle baby," as the doctors had told her mother she would most likely not have any other children. She was the first daughter after three older brothers, and her mother went on to have two more daughters. Her sister Carmela is the last surviving of the children.

Caterina was a talented seamstress who shared her love and knowledge of constructing beautiful garments with her many students. The devotion to her craft kept her busy and helped to provide for her family. After she met and married her husband, Francesco, she was very proud to have been able to help purchase their first home and furnishings, which she lovingly and generously shared with her parents.

At 40 years of age, with four young children in tow, Caterina and Francesco followed the immigrant dream of a better life to the United States. Courageously leaving all she knew and the people whom she loved, she slowly began to build her life here. First settling in Long Island City, she later moved to Garden City Park to be closer to her sister and settle in the suburbs. The home became her sanctuary. Whether cutting and installing moldings, painting walls, making drapes and custom furniture coverings, or making just about anything else she could imagine, she used her creative mind, skills and nimble hands to renovate and embellish the home. She loved gardening - flowers and vegetables - carrying the essence of southern Italian "contadina" within her. Most of all, she loved cooking and caring for her family. Her daughter, Maria, carries forward many of her recipes, but her many traditional Italian delicacies, like panzerotti, torrone di mandorle, and cartellate al vincotto, will definitely be missed. Together, Caterina and Francesco worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices for their children, including putting all four through college. 

Despite suffering a debilitating stroke 13 years ago that left her partially paralyzed, her resilient spirit and fortitude allowed her to be present to witness her grandchildren's growth and accomplishments. Most recently, she was thrilled to hear about the engagement of her daughter, Maria, to her fiance, Tommy, whom she loved. In October of 2024, she suffered a second stroke which left her wheelchair bound. Throughout the hardship of her condition, she managed to persevere until her last days. She passed away peacefully in the home she loved, as was her last wish.