Juliet F. (Favate) Caruso died at Chase Point Assisted Living in Damariscotta on Oct. 24. She was 93.
Born in Aiello del Sabato, Italy, she came to the United States through Ellis Island when she was four months old. She lived in Bayonne, N.J., and then Jersey City, N.J. for most of her life. She moved to Maine two years ago.
After graduating from Bayonne High School in New Jersey, Juliet worked at various jobs to help support her family. In 1939, she married Lawrence M. Caruso, who died in 1978. In 1942, when he entered the Army, she worked for a magazine publisher. After the war, they attended St. Peter’s College and Seton Hall, both in New Jersey. She went on and became a stockbroker and raised a family.
In the 50’s, Juliet became a charter member of the League of Women Voters of Jersey City, N.J., and eventually became president in 1970. Her work with the League inspired her to become more informed. She went back to school and got a B.A. at Jersey City State College, an M.A. in English, and an M.A. in Humanities. She spent 20 years as an English teacher at Lincoln High School in Jersey City, N.J., until she retired at age 70. For 10 years she was an adjunct professor of non-fictional prose at Jersey City State College.
Throughout her life Juliet was very athletic. She loved horseback riding, golf, swimming, ballroom dancing, and especially tennis. For more than 20 years she played competitive tennis. Even in her 50’s she was still rated the top singles player in Hudson County, New Jersey.
After retirement, Juliet had the opportunity to travel, tutor non-English speaking students at the Japan Society, and read and review books as a member of the Odd Volumes Club.
Always a life-long learner, she attended the New School in New York City for 12 years, where she studied languages, film, and art. During that time, she attended more than 25 elder hostels all over the country and often in Maine.
She is survived by a daughter, Ellen C. Durgin; son-in-law, Paul T. Durgin; and grandson, Tristan C. Durgin, all of Walpole.
Family services will take place in New Jersey.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
