Grace Josephine Siracusa

3/18/10 - 5/11/06

Died peacefully on May 11, 2006 at age 96, surrounded by her devoted family. Beloved wife of the late Louis Siracusa, who died in 1985, and loving mother of Angelo Siracusa, Jeanne Siracusa, Nannette McAlister and Elissa Kurk.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 18, 1910, she moved at the age of ten back to her parents' native Sicily. Following her marriage in 1928, she immigrated to San Francisco. Grace devoted her life to the loving care of her home and family. Although she maintained her close relationships within the Italian-American community, she loved her adopted country and embraced its values. She lived most of her adult life in San Mateo and Hillsborough, moving to Aptos in 2002 to be closer to her daughters.

Grace had a vibrant, irreverent spirit, a natural beauty, a definitive sense of style and an adventurous zest for life. Her love, camaraderie and lively wit are her lasting legacy to us. She was a fantastic Italian cook who never used a recipe. Grace was a tireless world traveler who also enjoyed simply working in her garden at home.

In addition to her children and their spouses, Grace is survived by six grandchildren and their families; Kirsten Kinsman, M.D., Karin Mercer, Craig Kinsman, Marisa Kurk, Colin Kurk and Michael Siracusa and four great grandchildren; as well as her sister, Paula Ray, and many nieces, nephews and cousins in the Bay Area and in Italy.

Family and friends are invited to attend services on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 11:30am at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, 22555 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Foundation, or to the charity of your choice.

Grace's body may have given up, but her mind and spirit were strong until the very end.

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