Florence Rose (Lucenti) Grassi

GRASSI, Florence Rose (née Lucenti) 

Peacefully on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the Sault Area Hospital at the age of 93.

Loving mother of Donna Carricato (Robert) and Laura Biren (Hal) and late Larry Grassi (Bonnie). Cherished Nana of Andrew Carricato (Rosemary Gallo), Anthony Carricato (Sarah Chown), Adam Carricato and Alyssa Carricato (Justin Mangone); Joshua Biren (Romy), Nathan Biren (Shaindel), late Ahron Biren of blessed memory, Sarah Chana Schafer (Daniel) and Yehuda Biren (Nomie); Amber Grassi (Tijn Janssen). Great-Nana of Theodore and Benjamin Carricato; Jayden and Jordan Biren; Coby, Benny and Ari Biren. Survived by her twin-sister Evelyn Marshall (late Robert) and sister Joan Cronk (late Robert). Predeceased by her parents Rocco and Lauretta Lucenti (nee Cipparone), her sister Julia Girard (Morris) and her former husband Len Grassi. Fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Gerry Girard (Dawn), Karen Marshall, Nadine Arnew (Michael), Robert Marshall (Michelle), Deborah Butt (Dave), Laura Cronk (Brent) as well as her many great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family and friends. 

Florence was born in North Bay, Ontario on October 30, 1929.  She was a long-time and proud member of the Davedi Club Ladies Auxiliary of North Bay, the Northern Ontario Italian Ladies Auxiliary (NOILA), a past parishioner of St. Rita’s Church, and a past member of the Catholic Women’s League, and a dedicated member of TOPS. Florence moved to Sault Ste. Marie at the age of 92 and resided at Extendicare Maple View. Florence was a very sociable and gracious woman who loved others to taste her cooking or baking over a cup of tea. She drove her friends and family everywhere before Uber was invented. Florence faced life’s adversities with courage and strength. She loved listening to the music of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett for hours on her iPad.  She will be remembered for her welcoming, generous, calm and gentle demeanor, her bright smile, as well as her constant commitment to her family, friends, and her Faith. Memories shared will be cherished by all who knew and loved her!

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Florence’s life at McGuinty Funeral Home (591 Cassells Street, North Bay) from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 16, 2023. Funeral Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church (895 Memorial Dr, North Bay) at 10:30 am Monday, April 17, 2023, Father Daniele Muscolino officiating. Interment ceremony to follow at All Saints Mausoleum (132 Golf Club Rd, North Bay).

In lieu of flowers, online donations to Alzheimers Society of Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts,  Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie and Aish Toronto would be gratefully acknowledged by the family (www.canadahelps.org).  Online condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com.

Florence’s family would like to thank the various organizations, staff and volunteers who looked after her for many years in North Bay: Castle Arms Non-profit Seniors Apartments, Community Support Services (a division of Cassellholme), The 400 Club, the Alzheimer Society Respite and Day Program, the Canadian Red Cross, Home Instead - Sudbury Ontario, and Lori’s Independent Caregiving Inc. 

The family also thanks the dedicated, hard-working and caring staff and administrators as well as the wonderful residents in the Echo Bay Unit at Extendicare Maple View. Special heartfelt thanks is extended to Sault Paramedic Services, Dr. Steve Smith and Dr. Phil Evans and the Sault Area Hospital Emergency Department.