Grace Marie Guercio

Grace Marie Guercio, née Bevacqua, long-time resident of Park Ridge, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026.
Grace was born on July 14, 1928 in Chicago, IL to Albert and Marie Bevacqua. Beloved wife of the late Joseph. Devoted mother to Glen (Monika) Guercio, Lynn Guercio, and Lana (Allen) Wegener, and the late Guy Guercio. Proud grandmother to Stefanie, Kristie, Angie Guercio, and Holly and the late Daniel Wegener.
Grace was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, sister, aunt to many and faithful friend.
Grace grew up on the north side of Chicago as a Cubs fan, where she formed lifelong friendships and deep family bonds. She especially cherished her relationship with her older brother, Louis, and treasured childhood friend Marcia Weber, whom she had known since grade school.
Grace's early years were challenging. Due to hip issues at birth she didn't walk until she was 4 years old. As she aged, her mother became ill with cancer and was often bedridden, so she spent many hours at her great-aunt Rina's tailor shop. It was there that she learned to sew and developed a talent that stayed with her for life. It is an understatement to say she was a strong and fiercely independent woman.
She married Joseph Guercio in the 50's, and together they built a home and a life in Park Ridge, where they raised their four children. She was a dedicated mother to her children and the many others who often visited (mostly at mealtime). She later found immense joy and pride in being a grandmother.
Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by family or her close-knit circle of friends. To the neighborhood children, she was affectionately known as "Ma," a role she embraced wholeheartedly. She loved hosting regular game nights, pizza nights, or rehearsals of her son Guy's rock band. And she would always say, " if you're bashful, you'll starve."
Grace created a welcoming home filled with laughter, warmth, and belonging. The house was always buzzing just the way she liked it. She was known for her kindness, honesty, and generosity. She was a hard worker who could fix anything, enjoyed routine, Chicago sports teams, numerous hobbies like crafting, refinishing furniture, and gardening. Whatever she did, she did with pride.
She will be remembered for her sweet disposition, the love she gave freely, the home she opened to so many, and the steady, comforting presence she was to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068.
The Funeral Mass will start at Noon at Saint Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 320 S Washington Street, Park Ridge, IL 60068.
A Mausoleum Entombment will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, Des Plaines, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations

Entombment
All Saints Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum (700 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL, 60016)
700 N. River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Donations

American Cancer Society

50 S Wacker Drive, #2100, Chicago IL 60606

Tel: 1-800-227-2345

Web: https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialmedia&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign

American Lung Assocation

1440 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607,

Tel: 312-243-2000

Web: www.lungchicago.org

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

1201 15th Street NW, Suite 410, Washington DC 20005

Tel: 1-888-557-7177

Web: https://givenow.bloodcancerunited.org/campaign/717321/donate