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20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY - 10708

Grassi, Marie B September 26, 1932 - October 22, 2020

Marie B. Grassi was born on September 26, 1932 to Jane Carpenter Kelly and John Aloysius Kelly.  Her brothers were John Kelly and Gerald Kelly, who both predeceased her. In 1956, Marie married Patric Roland Grassi at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in the Bronx and a reception was held at The New York Botanical Garden.  Patric predeceased her in 1979.Marie worked as an educator for the New York City Board of Education for 29 years.   She was an elementary teacher before earning her Masters Degree and becoming a reading specialist. Marie pioneered the English as a Second Language Program at C.E.S. 58 in the Bronx.  She was a graduate of Columbus High School in the Bronx, Fordham University, and The College of New Rochelle where she received her Masters degree in Education in 1981. Upon retirement in 1991, Marie pursued various coursework at the Bronxville Adult School Education program.  French, Spanish, Italian and German were among her favorites, but she also enjoyed Salsa,  Zumba, and pottery classes.  Marie enjoyed retirement and traveled extensively with family and friends to Canada, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Spain, Italy, Morocco, Panama, Mexico, and took yearly trips to Cape Cod.

Her trip to Mexico introduced the feast of Dia de Los Muertos which she celebrated with family yearly on November 2nd.  She was an accomplished gardener, and supported the New York Botanical Garden. Marie was truly a life-long learner and advocate for the arts, nature, and human rights.

Her life was so rich because she enriched the lives of everyone who knew her. Marie is survived by her children, Brian (Veronica), Jane (Paul Carlucci), and John, and two grandchildren, Tessa Carlucci and Ian Carlucci as well as numerous nieces and nephews.In lieu of flowers donations to the World Wildlife Foundationat https://support.worldwildlife.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate_monthly&s_src=AWG1303SSI00 or the New York Botanical Garden at https://www.nybg.org/join-support/  are deeply appreciated.

 

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Help us continue to care for our 250-acre National Historic Landmark site, offer horticulture programs and plant science education for students of all ages, and conduct research that has far-reaching effects on our global community.

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Make a Monthly Donation | World Wildlife Fund

Support conservation and make a monthly donation to World Wildlife Fund

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Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY.

Calling Hours: 8:30am to 10:00 am, Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Mass: 10:30 am, Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church, Tuckahoe

Condolences(33)

  1. REPLY
    TERRY SLAVIN says

    YOUR MOM WAS THE DEFINITION OF “ ENDEARING!”
    WE TAUGHT TOGETHER, FOR MANY YEARS AT PS 58, AND EVERYONE REALLY LIKED AND RESPECTED HER!
    SHE WAS A REAL “ MENSCH!”
    THE HIGHEST COMPLIMENT YOU CAN PAY A PERSON!
    SHE WAS A WONDERFUL… MOTHER, GRAND MOTHER AND FRIEND!

    • REPLY
      Jane Marie Grassi says

      ? Thank you for your kind words. ? Jane

    • REPLY
      Brian P. Grassi says

      Thanks Terry, YOU’RE the Mensch! Mom enjoyed your friendship and the time you both spent together. Thanks for your kind words. -Brian

  2. REPLY
    Shannon Dass says

    Such an amazing inspiration who looks like she took like by the horns. She was always a pleasure with the kindest heart towards Jon, myself and my boys. Such a loss but she will be remembered so fondly. Xoxo. Sending strength and prayers.

    • REPLY
      Brian P. Grassi says

      Thank you for your kind words, Shannon! Thanks also for the important work you do, especially during this Covid crisis!

  3. REPLY
    Denise and Bruce lockwood says

    WE WILL MISS MRS. G A REALLY WONDERFUL LADY.

    • REPLY
      Jane Grassi says

      Thanks Aunt Denise and Uncle Bruce. Mom enjoyed your company very much. xoxo Jane and family

  4. REPLY
    anon says

    she was a compassionate loving ninja who could knock you over.

    • REPLY
      Jane Marie Grassi says

      This is true. Were you a former student of hers? I’m curious? Her loving daughter, Jane

  5. REPLY
    Archenbaud M says

    a strong woman, and an intellect, with expansive knowledge and experience.

  6. REPLY
    John Sabino says

    My condolences to the Grassi family on the loss of a strong beautiful woman. One of the kindest souls I’ve encountered in my life. Marie was more than just an old neighbor from The Bronx, she was like a second mother to me who always made me feel so welcome in her home throughout the numerous sleepovers. She will surely be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know her.
    Rest in Peace Marie

    • REPLY
      Jane Marie Grassi says

      Thank you John. xoxo, Jane and family

  7. REPLY
    Patti Boutilier says

    Jane and Family,
    My condolences to you for the loss of your mom. From all of the stories you have told me, over the years, she will surely be missed by all who had the great fortune to know and love her. From her dancing to her travels, she lived a full life until the end. May she rest in peace!

    • REPLY
      Jane Marie Grassi says

      Thank you so much Patti. Thank you for your donation too. xo, Jane and family

  8. REPLY
    Joe McCaffery says

    My heart felt condolences to you and your loved ones, Jane. I will never forget Marie’s support of my work and how much I loved seeing her on her yearly visit. A gem of a woman, she is already missed.

    • REPLY
      Jane Marie Grassi says

      Thanks Joe. Her home was filled with your work! xo, Jane and family

    • REPLY
      Brian P. Grassi says

      While we never got to see your shop, my wife and I were the recipients of many of your bowls and mugs. Like our Mom, we also enjoyed your work!
      -Brian Grassi

  9. REPLY
    Bill Williams says

    Since Brian and I grew up together, in the same apartment building in the Bronx, I don’t remember originally meeting Brian and his parents. They were always in my life, more like family, rather than friends. When the family moved to Eastchester in the early 1970’s I made frequent visits and was invited to stay at their house many times. Mrs. Grassi was always very kind, supportive and welcoming to me. I was invited to join the family for many meals, skillfully prepared by her, occassionally with dishes which were not familiar to me. Mrs. Grassi and her family have always been blessings in my life and I’ll always be appreciative of the time I’ve spent with them.

    • REPLY
      Brian P. Grassi says

      Thanks, Bill. The kindness and friendship that you showed our Mom were very much appreciated.

  10. REPLY
    Ignacio says

    Sra. Marie was always kind and considerate

    • REPLY
      Jane Grassi says

      Thank you.

  11. REPLY
    Maury pheldas says

    She was a blessed person and mother to her children, she had many admirable qualities, my dearest sympathy, may Christ watch over her

    • REPLY
      Jane Marie Grassi says

      Thank you.

  12. REPLY
    Leslie Friedlander says

    Dearest Jane, John. Brian, Ian, and all those wonderful loving people so important to the peace, strength, and beauty of Marie Grassi,
    please know that all your love and caring for her contributed to make life a better place for all who knew Marie. She inspired and provoked and we responded with love and came back for more. It was a privilege and blessing to know her. May her spirit continue to nurture and rest in peace.
    With love, Leslie

    • REPLY
      Brian P Grassi says

      Thanks so much for your kind words, Leslie. Much appreciated.

    • REPLY
      Jane Marie Grassi says

      Your loving, kind words are a comfort Leslie.
      Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being a good friend to Mom.
      Love,
      Jane and family

  13. REPLY
    Richard Sabino says

    The Sabino family remembers your mom fondly as she was a wonderful person and a great friend of my Dad and Mom. God bless her as she is in Heaven now with your Dad, Richard Sabino

  14. REPLY
    Jane Marie Grassi says

    Thank you Richard.

  15. REPLY
    Celia Cuce says

    It was truly our pleasure to have Marie at so many of our classes at the Bronxville Adult School. She was such a lovely woman and so enthusiastic about learning new things.
    Celia Cuce, Executive Director

    • REPLY
      Jane Marie Grassi says

      Thank you for remembering our mother. She enjoyed many years and many classes at Bronxville. It enriched her life and through hers enriched others’ lives.
      Many thanks,
      Jane Marie Grassi and family

  16. REPLY
    Lisa Grassi says

    To my cousins Brian, Jane, and John, my heart aches for you in this time of grief. Your Mom and I spoke regularly on the phone. I enjoyed her wit, and her stories from my childhood. I respected her attitude, and opinions.

  17. REPLY
    Jane Marie Grassi says

    She was always thinking of you Lisa. I’m glad you two had spoken so recently. This year she got your birthday card off early! xoxo

  18. REPLY
    Mary Kay Gilbert says

    Sorry to be seeing this sad news.. God bless your strong and loving Mom.. So glad she had so many wonderful adventures. Hugs to Brian, Jane and John .Such a wonderful and generous family I was grateful to know.

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