Caren Sorrentino

Caren Sorrentino (Alperin), beloved wife and devoted dog mom, passed away peacefully at her home in Hartsville, SC on February 14, 2026, one day shy of her 61st birthday. 

Born on February 15, 1965, Caren grew up in New Milford, NJ, where her warmth, humor, and unmistakable laugh were evident from an early age. She went on to attend Marist College and later graduated from the University of Hartford, earning a degree in communications, a fitting path for someone who connected so effortlessly with everyone she met.

Caren was the loving wife of over 20 years to her husband, Ron, with whom she built a life filled with love, laughter, and compassion. Affectionately known as “Caqui” to her family, she brought joy wherever she went with her bubbly personality, infectious laugh, and quick wit. Quite simply, everyone who knew Caren loved her.

A passionate animal lover, Caren was a proud mother to her four dogs – Rudy, Davis, Wally, and Jack. Her journey with rescue began with her beloved dog Snickerdoodle, who first set her on the path of opening her heart to animals in need. Though Snickerdoodle passed several years ago, his legacy lived on through the countless rescue and foster dogs Caren embraced. She and Ron opened their hearts and home to rescue dogs, many of whom were meant to be temporary, but inevitably became family forever. In addition to adopting, Caren fostered countless dogs over the years, giving them safety, care, and love when they needed it most.

Caren’s humor was legendary. One favorite family story recalls her attending an atheist meeting with her father, Nat. When someone sneezed, Caren instinctively said, “God bless you,” a moment so perfectly Caren that it ended with her being promptly asked to leave the meeting. She laughed about it for years, and so did everyone else.

Caren will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity of spirit, her deep love for animals, and the light she brought into every room. Her presence made the world warmer, funnier, and better, and she will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life honoring Caren will be held on Saturday, February 21, from 1:00–3:00 PM at New Life Worship Center, located at 3569 Oates Hwy in Lamar, South Carolina. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance, share stories, and celebrate Caren’s beautiful life.  

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Caren’s memory to:

Darlington County Humane Society
580 Washington St
Hartsville, SC 29550

Norton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be with the Sorrentino family during this time.