Grace Marie Stasi

Grace M. Stasi, of Downers Grove, Illinois passed away on August 19, 2024. Grace was 104 years old and lived a long and full life. She was born on December 22, 1919, in Chicago, IL daughter of Italian immigrants from Salerno Italy, Antoinette and James V. Calabrese.

Grace was a beloved sister to Mary Fortune (deceased), John T Calabrese (deceased), Laura Cairo, Thomas Calabrese (deceased), Josephine Calabrese (deceased), Maragret Calabrese (deceased), Jenny Calabrese (deceased), and James Calabrese (killed in active-duty France WWII.)

Grace grew up in Chicago’s “Little Italy” where she met her beloved husband Albert Vincent Stasi and married on June 20, 1942. Shortly after their marriage, Albert was severely wounded on April 18th, 1945, in Germany fighting in WWII. Albert managed to survive and after the War they built a home in Bellwood IL and had four children Ronald John Stasi (deceased) Steven Richard Stasi, Richard Alan Stasi, and David Kevin Stasi.

On July 21, 1963, Albert died from complications resulting from his war injuries. After the death of her husband, Grace persevered as a devoted Mother and raised her four sons through the many decades thereafter. Grace was engaged and active with family and friends and was compassionate and caring of others. She continued to grow and learn in her 61 years of widowhood and had an ability to foster close friendships with others.

Religious faith was an important part of her life. She was an active member of the Catholic Church in Bellwood and then after moving to Wheaton, an active member at Saint James the Apostle Catholic Church in Glen Ellyn IL for the next 40 years of her life.

She is survived by her sons, Steven Stasi of Gurnee IL, Richard (Louisa) Stasi of Lexington KY and David (Pam) Stasi of Warrenville IL. her grandchildren Mark Albert Stasi, Ann Marie Menguy, Phillip Thomas Stasi (deceased), Kristina Marie Walter, Danielle Nicole Cook, and Thomas Richard Stasi and her seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews

Thank you to the many dear friends and family members who visited her towards the end of her life.

There will be a Visitation on Thursday August 22nd from 4-8 PM at Leonard Memorial Home at 565 Duane Street in Glen Ellyn and Funeral Mass on Friday 10AM at St. James the Catholic Church, 480 S Park Blvd in Glen Ellyn, IL. followed by burial service at The Queen of Heaven Mausoleum in Hillside IL

For more information you may call Leonard Memorial Home at (630) 469-0032

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