Obituary: Virginia Caravello - Class of 1942

MADISON- Virginia Caravello, age 86, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2008, at Belmont Nursing Home after a short battle with ovarian cancer. She was born in Milwaukee on May 27, 1922, and lived her early life on W. Dayton St. in Madison and her last 20 years at the Capitol Center, also on W. Dayton St. She graduated from St. Raphael's Elementary School in 1938 and Central High School in 1942. She was married to Stephan J. Caravello in 1945 and together they owned and managed several restaurants, most famous being Chicken on Wheels (the first restaurant to offer food delivery in Madison) and the Soupcon Restaurant on King St. Virginia later worked at and retired from St. Mary's Hospital. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, the Degree of Honor and was a volunteer at Meriter Hospital for eight years. Virginia loved people and was a "mother" to many. Everyone was always welcome in her home. She loved to make a meal for many out of nothing, just like her mother did. She is survived by her daughter, Rosemary and son-in-law Robert Lenzer; sister-in-law, Virginia Frederick; brother-in-law, Fred Bast; a life long friend, Irene Crabtree; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Stephan; their infant son, Michael Angelo; a sister, Bernadette Bass; a brother, Dallas Frederick; and a dear friend, Pearl Rogg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at 11:30 a.m. at HOLY REDEAMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 128 W. Johnson St. in Madison. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Internment will be at a later date. The family wishes to thank Margaret Bass, a special niece who gave so much love and assistance to Virginia, UW Hospital, Belmont Nursing Home and Care Wisconsin.Virginia lived and died with grace and dignity and will be missed by many.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 31, 2008