Maria Domenica Grassi

Maria Domenica Grassi was born on January 27, 1946, to Sebastian and Clara Menicucci in Novafeltria, Italy. Despite her humble background growing up in post-World War II San Marino, she was always full of life. Her mother encouraged her fiery spirit by telling her to never be limited by the circumstances of her birth and instilled a drive to work hard for what she wants. At the young age of 14, she became a licensed hair stylist and an accomplished business owner in downtown San Marino. At age 16, she became engaged to Pier Marino Grassi and on February 1, 1964, they married in San Marino.
Soon after they married, the couple immigrated to Detroit, Michigan, and completed their family with the births of their two children, Lori and Chris. In 1968, the family settled down in Sterling Heights where they formed a tight-knit community of friends. Maria, having never given up her entrepreneurial dreams, taught herself English and begins her career again as a hair stylist. All the while Pier and Maria are growing new roots in Michigan, they never forget their original home of San Marino and always emphasize the importance of keeping the connection to their heritage alive. Maria instills in her children a love of Italian cuisine, traditions, and the Italian language. The family enjoys taking trips back to visit San Marino to see extended family and learn more about their history.
Some of Maria's proudest achievements were becoming a U.S. citizen in 1979 and graduating high school the same time as her daughter in 1983. Maria and Pier found the love of golf and played year-round, including yearly trips to Florida and Mexico. She was so talented at golf that she won many league championships and got three hole-in-ones. In addition to her career as a hair stylist and mother, she and Pier started a successful custom home building company and constructed their current home in Rochester Hills
Family and friends were of the utmost importance to her. Maria loved her husband and children, as well as her son-in-law Don, daughter in-law Rebekah, and her six grandchildren Briana, Everett, Tyler, Christiano, Matteo, and Nico. In turn, they all adored their Mom and Nonna. Maria is loved by her sister Enza residing in San Marino, Italy along with her husband Sante and three children Silvia, Fabio, and Davide.
In recent years, although diagnosed with Parkinson's, she continued to enjoy golfing, exercising, listening to opera, and traveling.
Her faith was strong in the Lord. She had abundant pride in her family, friends and community. She made friends everywhere she went and deeply loved by all; she will always be remembered for her vivacious and selfless personality, and her ability to fill a room with laughter.