Lois Ann (Milano) Catanzaro

A beloved mother and grandmother, successful entrepreneur, and education advocate died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, August 24th in her Palm Beach Gardens, FL home, she was 81 years old.

Lois was the wife of Christopher Catanzaro.  Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Louise (Conca) Milano.  She resided in East Greenwich until moving to Palm Beach Gardens 21 years ago.

After graduating from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1961, Lois went on to a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s, South County, Rhode Island and Miriam Hospitals.  She practiced nursing in the Operating Room, Pediatric Unit, Methadone and Drug Clinics and as a charge and private duty nurse for many years.  Recognizing that education was a key to success, she continued her educational pursuits in nursing and teaching at Mt. St. Joseph College, the University of Rhode Island and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Roger Williams College in 1977.  She also was a health-nurse and teacher at John Deering Jr. High School from 1973-74.   In 1972, she founded the Association for Parents of Learning-Disabled Children and was instrumental in providing groundbreaking instructional resources to students with needs.  Elected in 1974, Lois served a term on the East Greenwich School Board.

Always approaching life with a sense of determination and drive, Lois embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and employed her self-taught business development skills in founding Chrystaline N A of Cranston, RI 1992, a company that she owned and operated until her retirement in 1997.  A woman of many accomplishments, she was happiest and most satisfied when surrounded by her family and friends in the loving, warm, and welcoming home that she created.  Always active in the lives of her children, she fostered many friendships and contributed to her community through involvement in the PTA and Garden Club during her years in East Greenwich.

Upon her retirement, Lois focused her attention on personal passions, including boat cruising and the culinary arts.  She enjoyed traveled around the globe and visited many places by land and by sea, and even obtained a boat captain’s license in the process.  An outstanding cook, she loved to prepare memorable meals for those she loved.  She honed her culinary skills by attending many of the renowned European Cooking School in countries including Italy, France, and Switzerland.  Her life was full, her experiences many, her accomplishments significant and her love abundant.  She will be missed and will always be in the hearts of those who loved her.

Besides her husband, Lois is survived by her loving children Christopher Catanzaro of Jupiter, FL, Mark Catanzaro of East Greenwich, and Catherine Catanzaro of Palm Beach Gardens, FL.  She leaves her beloved granddaughter, Isabella Craven, with whom she made so many wonderful memories, her brother, Anthony Milano of Hobe Sound, FL and her cherished niece and nephew, Jessica Weinstien and Eric Milano.

A celebration of Lois’ life will take place at a later date.  Her burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Memorial Giving 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.