Caterina C. Ferrante, was born in Villafranca Sicula, Sicily, to Innocenza Merlino and Filippo Campanella on November 1, 1931. She was predeceased by her older sister, Maria Arculeo and her younger sister, Elena Mauro.
Caterina was a true pioneer. She began her career as a seamstress in a small atelier in Sicily where she rapidly became known for her remarkable creativity and attention to detail. Seeing an ad in the local paper seeking skilled workers in the United States, she left her beloved family behind to begin a new independent life at the age of 29.
She started working for Bill Bass shortly after arriving in New York City, but eventually began working with the designer, Geoffrey Beene. She spent the rest of her career working for Mr. Beene and creating clothes that were not merely garments but works of art. In 1967, she traveled with Mr. Beene to the White House in Washington, DC where she fitted Lindon B. Johnson's daughter, Lynda Bird, with her wedding dress. This was the highlight of her long career as a top seamstress.
In 1972, Caterina met her future husband, Vincent Ferrante, when she was 41. They were married a year later and had their first daughter, Angela, in 1973. In 1976, while pregnant with their second child, Enza, Caterina and Vincent returned to Sicily to raise their family. They stayed for six years. When they returned in 1982, she, once again, went to work for Mr. Beene, where she worked until she retired upon his death in 2004. She remained close to Mr. Beene until the very end. He even included Caterina in his will as recognition of their lifelong friendship and partnership.
Caterina was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family and friends. She found immense joy in family vacations all over the United States and Europe. She loved each moment spent with her two girls, Angela, and Enza, their spouses, Stephen Eustace and Leo Sposato, and her beloved grandchildren: Blake Eustace, Charles Eustace, Isabella Sposato and Juliette Sposato. They were the pride and joy of her life. Her love of her family and her Catholic faith were the foundations of her life.
Caterina embraced her Sicilian heritage with pride and carried the traditions of her homeland wherever she went. She welcomed many into her home, created wonderful holiday celebrations and was quick to win many hearts with her delicious cooking. Her legendary Feast of the Seven Fishes became a coveted invitation for years.
Caterina will be remembered for her illuminating smile, her poise, grace and quiet elegance. Though Caterina has left this earthly realm, her legacy endures through the countless lives she touched. Her spirit of compassion, her drive for excellence, and her unwavering integrity will continue to inspire and guide those who had the privilege of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers, it was Caterina's wish that any memorial tribute be made in the form of charitable donations to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to support her grandson Charlie's fundraising efforts for the Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign. Student Visionaries is a philanthropic leadership development program/fundraising competition. Fundraising begins February 6, 2025, and will end on March 27, 2025. The family requests that donations are made during this time to honor Caterina's deep love and devotion to her family. Donations can be made to Charlie's fundraising page found at this link beginning February 6, 2025.
