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Leonarda Catanzaro Leonarda Catanzaro
In Memory of
Leonarda Theresa "Ida"
Catanzaro
1925 -
2018

Life Story for Leonarda Theresa "Ida" Catanzaro

Leonarda Theresa "Ida"  Catanzaro
Mrs. Leonarda "Ida" Theresa (Pollina) Catanzaro, age 93, of Vevay, Indiana, entered this life on June 23, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents, Peter and Raffaella (Gianguzzi) Pollina immigrated to America through Ellis Island in 1914 at the beginning of World War I. Her oldest brothers, Vito and Sebastian and her oldest sister, Elizabeth were born in Sicily. Ida and her sister, Lena and her brother, Joseph were born in Brooklyn, New York. At Ellis Island, her oldest brother, Vito (19 years her senior) had to tell a lie. Ida's sister, Elizabeth could not hear or speak. Vito told the authorities at Ellis Island that Elizabeth was very shy and that is why she didn't speak. If they knew of her handicap, the entire family would have been denied immigration. Ida was valedictorian of her class and graduated in 1943 from Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn, New York, during World War II. Ida met Gus in 1945. Gus served four years in combat in North Africa and Europe and returned home on October 7, 1945. Ida and Gus were united in marriage on March 3, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York and to this union arrived two sons, Anthony and Peter to bless their home. Gus and Ida never fell out of love for each other. They loved each other so much! Gus and Ida shared 55 years of marriage together until he passed away on March 24, 2002. Ida was a wonderful mother and wife. She lost her youngest son, Peter on December 21, 1995. Ida's heart was broken. She lived on cherishing her grandsons, Matthew and James. She gave them love and they gave her a reason to live on. Ida enjoyed cooking and was a wonderful homemaker. Ida owned and operated with her husband family the Joe & Al's Fish Market in Brooklyn, New York, for several years and was employed for a New York hotel. Ida was also employed for Nabisco Cookie Company for several years. Ida passed away peacefully with opera music playing in the background at 10:15 a.m., Sunday, July 8, 2018, at her home surrounded by the love of her son, Anthony and his wife, Peggy and the thoughts of her grandsons.

Ida will be deeply missed by her son, Anthony "Tony" Catanzaro and his wife: Peggy of Vevay, IN; her grandchildren, Matthew and James Catanzaro; her brother-in-law, Tony Catanzaro and his wife: Catherine of Long Island, NY; her sister-in-law, Flora Catanzaro of Queens, NY and her numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Raffaella (Gianguzzi) Pollina; her husband, Gus P. Catanzaro, died March 24, 2002; her son, Peter Catanzaro, died December 21, 1995 and her siblings, Vito, Sebastian, Joseph, Lena and Elizabeth.

Family and friends are welcome at anytime to the residence of Anthony "Tony" and Peggy Catanzaro, 205 Liberty Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of King's Daughters' Hospital. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leonarda Theresa "Ida" Catanzaro, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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