Nancy Strong Caruso

Nancy Strong Caruso, 81, a long time Hastings resident died October 7, 2011. Born in Torrington, Ct, to Harold F. and Ruth Strong. She was predeceased by her husband Sam Caruso and sons Jeff and Chuck Caruso. She is survived by sons Randy Kathy and Bill Taresa Caruso, daughter DeDe Caruso, 6 grandchildren; Sam, Aron, Craig, Danielle, Jennifer, Kristina and one great grandchild Sonny. Also survived by her sisters Polly DeFaria and Pamela Strong. Her family moved to Dobbs Ferry in 1941 when her father was appointed Director of The Children's Village. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1948 and then Wells College in 1952 with a B.A. in Art History. She and her husband Sam owned "Cup n' Saucer" luncheonette on Warburton Avenue in Hastings from 1961 to 1973. Known as Mrs. C, the Cup had a thriving lunch crowd and was a local teenage hangout. On Sunday's the front of the store became a donut shop for the church crowd. In 1973 she and three other women founded the local newspaper "The Hastings Enterprise". From 1977 to 2008 she served as the school district clerk for the Hastings Schools. From 1977 to 2004 she operated "The Paper Shoppe" on Warburton Avenue. Her store carried supplies for school, parties, holidays, gifts, candy, toys and generally anything a child aged 3 to 13 might want. It also carried newspapers, magazines, cigarettes, and greeting cards. From 1994 to 2008 she ran an antique business called "When We Were Kids" specializing in vintage children's toys through flea markets and eBay. Throughout the years Nancy has been affiliated with the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Hastings Historical Society and Hastings Republican Party. In 1997 Nancy was proclaimed "Citizen of the Year" by the Hastings-on-Hudson Chamber of Commerce, awarded to honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the life of our community. Mass of the Resurrection Tuesday 10AM Church of St. Matthew, R.C. Visiting Monday 2-4 & 7-9PM Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home.