Carm J. Spinosa

Carm J. Spinosa

Passed 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.