Caterina Paola, 1945–2026, loving mother and grandmother

Caterina Paola (Raso), of Waltham, passed away peacefully on Jan. 24, 2026 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, surrounded by her loving family. She was 80.

Born on Jul. 26, 1945, in Calabria, Italy, Caterina was the beloved daughter of the late Pasquale and Elena (Caruso) Raso. A woman with strong family values, strength and devotion, Caterina lived her life guided by love, generosity and service to others. She possessed a strong will and an open heart, always ready to help anyone in need, often giving of herself not from abundance, but from compassion and faith.

Family was the single most important part of Caterina’s life. Her kindness and warmth were felt by all who knew her, and her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. In her spare time, she found great joy in gardening and cooking, lovingly preparing meals for those she cherished. She was especially known for her Crispelle (fried dough) chicken cutlets, pasta dishes and her world-famous sauce, which became a treasured symbol of her care and hospitality.

Caterina was predeceased by her beloved husband, Nicola Paola; her dear brother, Francesco Raso; her brothers-in-law, Christofero Ferraro and Elio Scanga; and her son-in-law, Jamaine J. Hunt, Sr.

She is survived by her loving and devoted children: Rosina Lopez and her husband Walter, Pasquale Paola, Marisa Paola, all of Waltham; Elena Paola of Newton; Francesco Paola and his partner Cara Malone of Waltham; Stefania Paola of Wellesley; Steven Paola and his fiancée Stella Luberto of Marlborough; Susan Paola and her fiancé Aleksander Migdalski of Boston; and Corinna Paola of Waltham. She was the proud and devoted grandmother of 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, the true apples of her eye, all of whom brought her endless joy.

Caterina also leaves her loving siblings, with whom she shared a special and enduring bond: Giuseppe Raso and his wife Giulia of Italy; Teresa Scanga of Australia; Maria Ferraro of Australia; Rosaria Raso and her husband Giuseppe of Italy; and her dear sisters-in-law, Maria Paola and Aurelia Raso both of Italy, and Giovanna Paola of Newton; and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Caterina will be remembered for her unwavering faith, boundless generosity, and the deep love she held for her family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather and remember the love she shared during visiting hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, in the Main Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels, 773 Moody Street, Waltham. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 12 noon on Friday, Jan. 30, at Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.