Catherine J. Anselmo

Catherine Anselmo
(September 9, 1927 - April 11, 2024)

Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Catherine Anselmo passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Catherine was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 9, 1927 to Paul Billera, an immigrant from Sicily, and his wife Anna Sanzoni, a first generation Italian-American. She was the third child of four, and the only girl.

Catherine took pride in her academic studies, and excelled in English and music. She would often recite Shakespeare sonnets she learned in school, and speak of the operatic adaptation of her favorite Shakespeare plays, such as Verdi’s Otello. While passionate about education, she left school after graduating the 9th grade, in order to provide financial support to her family. Finding employment in the garment industry in New York, Catherine’s skill, hard work ethic, and intellect enabled her to quickly rise in her profession, becoming a special machine operator and one of the youngest floor managers.

On January 16, 1949, Catherine married Leo Anselmo. She had three children, Rocco, Paul, and Christina. A compassionate loving mother, she ensured that her children never felt disadvantaged by their financial hardships, and encouraged them to pursue their life goals and dreams, particularly when it came to music.

As a grandmother and great-grandmother, Catherine remained one of the dominant caregivers and regarded as an amazing cook. Catherine enjoyed passing down stories of beloved family members. She loved to speak of her extensive knowledge of opera, often encouraging family and friends to listen and watch her favorite operas, La Boheme, Turandot, Madame Butterfly, as well as listening to her favorite opera singers, Mario Lanza and Maria Callas. It is because of Catherine, that her family still follows their Catholic Italian traditions. Though deeply missed, Catherine will never be forgotten.