Carol Fusaro Obituary

Carol A. (Peterson) Fusaro passed away on January 26, 2025, following a short bout with cancer. Born in Portland, Oregon on June 9, 1939, she was the daughter of Elizabeth A. (Wiener) and Charles M. Peterson. A childhood tomboy who fell in love with horses and riding as a teen, she attended Roosevelt High School and later University of Oregon, where she met her first husband, Mike Volonte of Woodland, California. After marrying overseas, Carol and Mike raised a family together in Woodland. Carol discovered a love of cooking and mastered family recipes from her Italian in-laws (biscotti was one of her specialties, shared widely during the holidays). As Lee Junior High School attendance secretary for several years, she knew lots of names and faces and was long remembered by many students. Both organized and creative, Carol labeled everything and loved finding the perfect storage container. She also had an eye for home décor and was adept at many crafts. A skilled seamstress, she sewed school clothing and Halloween costumes for her children. She cherished family paintings and furniture handed down to her on both sides of the family. Carol and her second husband, James R. Fusaro, shared a mutual appreciation for Traditional (Dixieland) Jazz and were longtime volunteers for the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society and its annual music festival. They enjoyed traveling to other jazz festivals, including those featuring Carol's brother, Gary Peterson. Carol also participated in the local chapter of Sweet Adelines International, adding her tenor voice to four-part harmony in the barbershop style. Carol will be remembered for her outgoing, social nature, ready smile, and appreciation of a good joke. She loved to entertain, share birthday lunches with friends, watch her beloved 49ers and Giants with a snack spread on hand, and end the day sipping white wine (always with ice cubes). Carol was predeceased by both her husbands and leaves behind her two children, Christine E. Volonte of Belchertown, Massachusetts and Charles M. Volonte of Springfield, Missouri. Her memory will also be held close by granddaughter Kelli Volonte; son-in-law, Doug Albertson; niece Leslie Peterson Sapp; nephews Erik and Kurt Peterson; and numerous extended family members, close friends, and acquaintances. In accordance with Carol's wishes, no formal services will be held. Donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA, 01002.