Geraldine Kelley Caruso

Mrs. Geraldine Kelley Caruso, 99, passed away peacefully at The Kingston Residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

Born on February 21, 1923 in Tabor City, North Carolina, Geraldine was the daughter of Frances Gay (F. G.) Kelley and Beulah Hughes Kelley. She attended Elon College, where she met her future husband, Silvio Wilson Caruso. Shortly after her graduation, during World War II, they were married. After the war, Geraldine and Sil began their teaching careers in Tabor City.

In 1954 the Carusos moved to Clinton, North Carolina where they continued to work in the Public Schools. Geraldine became a highly regarded teacher of second grade, and later fifth-grade pupils. As a Team Teacher, she handled classes related to science and mathematics. Her math skills also came into play in her favorite extracurricular activity: she was an expert Bridge player.

Geraldine and Sil retired in 1972, and for the next forty years, they were rarely apart. They traveled extensively, especially enjoying Elderhostel programs. They were avid birders, and in later years, Geraldine began to study butterfly identification. She enjoyed gardening, tending a small plot that supplied vegetables for daily salads.

They were talented ballroom dancers, and for many years celebrated their wedding anniversary by attending Big Band Week at The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia.

Geraldine is survived by a daughter, Josephine Caruso, of New Mexico; nieces Katherine Walton (Benton) and family of North Carolina, and Gayle Garrison (Charles) and family of California. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, and her brother, David Kelley.

Memorial Services were held by the family in New Mexico. Mrs. Geraldine will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband in the Clinton Cemetery in a private inurnment ceremony.

Royal-Hall Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Geraldine Kelley Caruso, please visit our floral store.