Carm J. Spinosa

Carm Spinosa ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, Inc. - Rochester on Mar. 3, 2026.Carm J. SpinosaPassed away on February 26, 2026, in Rochester, NY. Carm is predeceased by her husband, Thomas J. Spinosa; parents, Liborio & Jennie Maenza; brothers, Philip (Arlene) Maenza & Tony Maenza. She is survived by her four devoted children, Ann Spinosa, Jenine (Mark) Chinelli, Laurie Spinosa, and Tommy Spinosa; brother, Alan (Kathy) Maenza; sister-in-law, Rosa Maenza; former son-in-law, Markus Iannitti; several nieces & nephews.Carm's Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9:30am on Saturday, March 7th at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester, NY 14615. Entombment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Carm's name to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd, Fairport, NY 14450, https://www.lollypop.org/Carmie was born July 16, 1942, to Jennie and Al Maenza and was the only daughter of their four children. She married her grade school sweetheart, her husband, Tom, in their hometown Rochester, NY, where they raised their four children with traditional Italian Catholic values.She was an amazing freehand artist and a talented hairstylist into her 40's. She loved creating up-do's more than any other style. Her daughters had their weekly roller sets; they were quite adorable and ready for a wedding only to go play in the neighborhood. They would fail when she tried to teach them how to tease and style their own hair. "You're afraid of the hair, you can't be afraid of the hair!"Carmie's family, Carmie's children, were her life. She did not live one day without talking with her children. She loved listening to their stories and sharing hers. She adored her three brothers; following her oldest brother, Phillip, everywhere- he loved that. Her brother, Tony, had a cackle of a laugh, that forced her laugh,,, every single time. Her youngest brother, Al, is the brother she protected. When playing football, she was included and most often at the bottom, beneath them all, securing the ball. She was athletic, a tom-boy in her youth and a dedicated golfer in her 50's, winning her three club championships.She loved to dance to 50's and 60's music and to sing karaoke. Tony Orlando and Elvis were her favorite entertainers. On a regular weekly basis, together with her fun-loving friends, they would meet for drinks, dinner and dancing.She was a fur-baby mama to many; currently four. She loved all animals, especially dogs and horses.Carmie loved God. Watching her read the Bible, she was asked why. She said that she wanted to understand because she had questions,,,she believed her questions would be answered only by reading the Bible. And so she did, beginning to end.Mom found her greatest joy in cooking for her family. It wasn't just about the meals themselves- it was about the love she poured into every dish. Her sauce was more than a recipe; it was a tradition, made with care and pride. Every holiday meant trays of homemade cookies, each one baked with happiness and meant to bring us together.Family was everything to her, and she showed that love through her cooking. Every holiday and every gathering became something special because of her. The kitchen was her way of expressing her heart, her passion, and her deep devotion to the people she loved most.As her son, she gave me so much more than her talent in the kitchen. She passed down her strength, her protectiveness, and her unwavering, unconditional love. Through her guidance and upbringing, she shaped the person I am today. Her love was constant, her support was steady, and her example continues to live within me every single day.Her daughters will never play a scratch off ticket without thinking of her first; remembering all the times we sat side by side to each other, cheering each other on with dad a room away asking when we would be quieting down. She was one of the girls, staying up late into the night with us, she was so much fun!She will always be remembered for her love of pretty glasses and stemware, no matter the drink. We will never start a recipe without thinking of her first,,, we will miss sending her daily photos of grilled treasures, baked breads and cookies, and her Bignolatis.Her funny daily animated text messages will be missed. Especially the ones she would send with the caricature of herself that we helped her create.Our Beautiful Mom,,,You loved us, just as we are. To each of us, you were our best friend. We don't want to be here without you, we will never laugh with anyone as we did with you. We miss you, mom.Dad always said, "It's never goodbye, it's see you."See you, mom.MY MOTHERMy mother was absolutely the most amazing mother anyone could have ever asked for. Absolutely stunning, beautiful, and classy. I was always so proud and honored to walk into a room with her. She and I were inseparable. We were each other's rock. She was my side kick, my gambling slot buddy, and most of of my "Best Friend," and I loved and adored her immensely.In 2010, we lost our father tragically. We were devastated beyond belief. My mother never wavered and took on the role of both parents. She was our protector. My mother had a strength inside her that I admired deeply. When days were hard, I would think of her strength, which kept me going each and everyday. I got up and showed up because "SHE DID." I guess you never know how strong you really are until being strong is the only choice you have.My mother always put everyone first. She was selfless. For the last several years, my amazing mother took care of her 104 year old mother. My grandmother, whom we called Mama. She recently passed just a few short months ago. Mama lived until 104 ONLY because she was just as driven as my mother was. She LOVED life. Her FAMILY drove her to LIVE. My mother got that from Mama. I watched it everyday! My mother unselfishly put her entire life on HOLD to care for her mother, no matter what challenges she faced. She did everything with grace.My mother was very sensitive. She loved horses and puppies. At one point, she had 6 dogs. If she would lose one, a few days later I would get the call… Laurie… yes mom. Ummm, will you take me to go look at a puppy? Yes mom. What time am I picking you up? I never wanted to see her in pain, and I knew getting another one would heal her heart quicker. Well, up to just a few short months ago, she made that same call. I finally said, yea mom, I'm thinkin 4 is good right now, don't you? She laughed and agreed. It's a good thing I was finally able to say no, because all 4 will now be living with me. It's a good thing she didn't have horses, cause I dont have the yard space.She was an amazing cook, my god, the food she would make. The things this women taught herself to do was just simply amazing. She was a hairstylist, she learned how to make her own clothing. No challenge was ever too big for her, and she accomplished whatever she touched because she simply just TRIED.One year, I decided to buy a cute little sports car. Someone did a hit and run and damaged one of my front quarter panels. So I bought a new panel and asked my mother if she would help me replace it. She said sure, let's do it, and when we were done, we looked at each other and said that's what I'm takin about. She then said, you know papa helped us with that. Her father, who was a jack of all trades. There was not ONE thing she would not TRY to do, especially for her 4 children.We shared so many beautiful moments. One I looked forward to every year was sharing our birthdays together. Mine was 3 days before hers. I like to think I was her birthday gift that year and every year after. For years, I wondered why I was so addicted to sugar… yes, sugar! Until the truth came out one day. The night my mother went into labor with me, she was at a carnival. She had EVERY kind of sweet she could get her hands on. Candy apples, cotton candy, pizza Frita, and so much more. She ate so much they had to wait until morning to deliver me. We always laughed, and I thanked her often for the addiction.When I bought my first home, she was always there to help me. She wasn't afraid of hard work. We tore down a kitchen wall, wired light fixtures, and replaced flooring.She avoided conflict and let people be right (when really she knew that they weren't). This was how she was until you came at her children or the ones she loved. She then made it very clear how she felt. No one messes with the ones she loves. No ONE. Her children were her life.If a friend or family member was admitted into the hospital, she would cook food and bring it to them to be certain her loved ones were eating. No stone or pebble was unturned. She once gave CPR to one of dying dogs. She never gave up on anyone or anything where there was a possibility, which in turn we never gave up on her.She would make everyone their favorite dishes, no matter what time of the year it was. It didn't have to be a holiday in order for my mother to do something special for someone. She was just "That Sweet." She gave with her heart and soul everyday.This pain is unbearable, and at times I wonder how I could possibly go on in this life without her. The minute she took her last breathe was the minute I knew my life was never going to be the same again.So today, and everyday moving forward, I will need to breathe deeply often. Take a minute at a time. Rely on my strong faith and my loving god to get through each day and honor her by living and loving the way she did everyday of her life. Thank you, mom, for all you did for each and everyone one of us.You were not just our mother, you were our best friend.Until we see each other again, just know it was an honor and a privilege being your daughter. I will cherish every moment we shared.I love and adore you, mom.Your daughter,LaurieTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.