Verna Rae (Caruso) Rizzi

Verna (Caruso) Rizzi, age 88, of Sharon, MA, formerly of Dedham, MA passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, after a brave battle with dementia.

Born in Weymouth, and having lived most of her life in Dedham, Verna was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a graduate of Weymouth High School (1954) and Boston University (1958).

Verna is survived by her loving children Tony, Vanessa, and Tania Rizzi; her brother Lenny Caruso; her grandchildren, Lily, Addy, Rocco, Margot, and Audrey; her son-in-law Brian McCormick; her daughter-in-law Terri Manning; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones. She is predeceased by her parents, Raphaella and Louis Caruso; her sister, Lois Mahon; and her oldest son, Michael Rizzi.

Verna loved dancing from a young age; she took classes in many dance styles from ballet to country. She even performed on stage with her son Tony in Germany, Austria, and Canada.

Verna adored talking with strangers and friends alike, and she brought a vibrant smile and laughter to every conversation. She loved taking care of plants and flowers, including those in her beloved rock garden that her father built in her Dedham backyard. Verna’s deepest joy, however, was being a mother and grandmother.

Verna enjoyed being a regular at places like Dedham Community Theater (seeing movies there at least weekly), Brattle Square Florist, enjoying the flowers as much as a conversation, and C&N Pizza, where you’d find her at the rear counter joking with employees.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Verna’s name to South Shore Ballet Theatre Foundation (www.southshoreballettheatre.com) or International OCD Foundation (www.iocdf.org) are appreciated. Please see links below under DONATIONS.

All services will be held at Kfoury Keefe Funeral Home on Friday, September 12. Visiting hours are from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with a funeral service at 6:00 PM.