Catherine Joyce Grassi Obituary (1928 - 2017)

PORTLAND Catherine Joyce Grassi, 88, died Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Scarborough. Born in Portland on July 17, 1928, Catherine was the daughter of the late Patrick and Delia (Thornton) Joyce. She graduated from Portland High School Class of 1946. Like many people of her generation, Catherine was a very hard worker. Starting at the age of 13, she worked for Irving Rothstein Law Offices as a filing clerk who also processed payments. Her work ethic continued throughout her life as she worked for Markson Brothers from 1944-50 and from 1950-55 she was employed by the National Bureau of Casualty Underwriters. She married Augustine R. Grassi in 1954. Together, they raised their family on Sherman Street in Portland. Catherine was a very giving and generous woman who had a commitment to care for her family. She always put others needs before her own, often cooking for her children, helping family or friends whenever possible, and even making lunches for her son, Rick, well into his adulthood. She proudly kept her home immaculately clean and valued every relationship she had. Catherine enjoyed time spent with her family, especially during the Christmas season. After she raised her family, she returned to the workforce in 1985 at USM with the Aramark Snack Wagon. Following her work at USM, she worked for the Portland School Department for 11 years as a cafeteria aide until she left the school to care for her grandchildren and spouse. Very proud of her Irish-Catholic faith, Catherine was a member of the Irish American Club, the Junior Guild of Catholic Women and a communicant of Sacred Heart Church. Above all else, she was a very fair, loving and nonjudgmental person. She cared for her family deeply, always concerned with the well-being of her husband, children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In addition to her parents, Catherine was predeceased by her husband, Augustine R. Grassi; sons, Mark and Michael Grassi; sister, Mary Joyce; brothers, Thomas and John Joyce. She is survived by her children, Annemarie Barden and husband Michael of Scarborough, Patricia Coyne and husband John of Portland and Richard Grassi and wife Vicki of Portland. Catherine is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Bridget, Jason-Michael and Derek Barden, Delaney and Cassidy Coyne and Taylor Grassi. The family would also like to express their sincere appreciation to the South Portland Nursing Home for 8 years of exceptional care. Also Maine Medical Center staff on P3CD and the staff at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, January 16, from 3-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 17, at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Catherines memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.