Gemma Blain Grasso passed away on March 22, 2021, at age 98. She was born in Montreal, Canada, on April 11, 1922.
She was a very determined and creative person, who had a passion for fashion. In 1947, as a young woman of 25, she went to study “haute couture” in Paris, where she finished 1st in her class. Shortly after returning to North America she moved to New York City, working for various fashion houses, eventually becoming the lead designer at Schrader’s.
In 1962, she married John T. Grasso, the love of her life, and they were very happy together enjoying a busy social life with family and friends and travelling around the world, until John’s death in 1972.
She moved to Florida in the late 1970’s, where she reconnected with the arts, especially oil painting. She was such a talented and prolific artist!
Her many family members and friends will miss her dearly.
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A celebration of her life will take place on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 from 2:00 until 4:00 PM, with Tributes of a Lifetime Service at 3:00 PM at the Boyd-Panciera Pembroke Pines Chapel, located at 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.
Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 701 N. Hiatus Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33026.
Memorial donations may be made in her name as a charitable contribution to Catholic Relief Services at www.crs.org
Please note modifications are in place regarding Visitation and Services due to the Coronavirus. Boyd-Panciera is following all local and state guidelines and is taking all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and health of our families and staff to halt the spread of COVID-19. Social Distancing and Face Masks are in effect.
Boyd-Panciera University Drive Chapel
St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church
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Michelle Thibodeau
March 31, 2021, 3:33 am
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille ainsi qu’aux amis proches de Gemma
Jean Pierre Barré et Michelle Thibodeau
Marielle Blain
March 31, 2021, 6:25 pm
Chère tante Gemma,
Mes plus beaux souvenirs me ramènent lorsque nous allions à New York pour célébrer les festivités de Noël, Pâques et autres occasions où toute la famille se réunissait.
La maison était toujours accueillante et féérique pour moi à ce jeune âge, Il y avait tant de beaux objets et bibelots à regarder!
Je garde dans mon cœur ces doux souvenirs.
Maintenant, tu retrouves ceux que tu as aimés et le Seigneur ouvre ses bras pour t’accueillir dans son cœur.
Veille sur nous tous,
Affectueusement,
Ta nièce Marielle,
Mes fils Hugo et Vincent,
ma petite fille Lionel
et mon conjoint Alain.