Carol (Rizzo) Berrigan's Obituary
Dr. Carol (Charlotte Rizzo) Berrigan, 93, born in Syracuse, June 21, 1930, died in her home of 66 years on January 13, 2024, joining her beloved husband Jerry for eternity.
Carol was raised in Syracuse attending The Convent School, then later graduated from College of Mount St. Vincent with a BA of Fine Arts.
She met her husband Jerry, at a party and both said it was love at first sight. They were married in 1955 and adopted four children, raising them in the Valley Neighborhood in Syracuse. While raising her young children, Carol studied nights and received her Doctoral Degree from the School of Education at Syracuse University.
Along with her husband, she became active in the Civil Rights movement, then became a strong voice opposing the Vietnam War. Her ongoing commitment to the Peace Movement and Social Justice defined her life. Carol worked for many years at the Center on Human Policy at Syracuse University which supports research, teaching, and advocacy to promote the rights of people with disabilities. At the same time, Carol taught master’s level courses on disabilities and inclusion in education. For more than a decade, she designed and led students in a course that was based in Italy, which was the model for inclusion in education. Many who participated said it was the experience of a lifetime, marveling at her endless energy!
Carol was known for her wonderful cooking and dinner parties where she and her husband, Jerry gathered people together and nourished lifelong friendships. To know her was to experience her love of music and her piano. Hours were spent playing and singing both alone and with anyone who would join. She was the heart of a large extended family, to whom she gave unconditional love, friendship, laughter, and treated each person as beloved, special, and unique.
In her final years, Carol lived with Alzheimer's Disease, but never lost her joy. She continued to play her piano daily, singing loudly as she had her entire life. She had a remarkable team of loving caregivers round the clock enabling her to stay in her home. Our heartfelt thanks to Linda, Jeanne, Sharon, Vicki, Deb W, Debbie B, and Eileen will never be enough.
Carol is survived by her sisters, Deborah Rizzo and Shirley Love, her children, Philip (Cindy), Maria (Colleen), Jay (Pam), and Carla (Marc), grandchildren, Jennifer, Matthew, Brittney, Sarah, Louis, five great grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A funeral mass will take place on January 22, 2024, at 10am at St. Lucy’s Church in Syracuse, NY.
Burial will take place in the Spring at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Pompey, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Dorothy Catholic Worker (212 Wayne St., Syracuse, NY 13205) and Peace House (321 Phelps Ave, Kalamazoo, MI).
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