On behalf of Mom’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren I would like to welcome you to this Catholic Mass celebrating the life of Grace Mary Mann. We are honored by your presence here.
Where to begin… Our mother had such a full, rich, inviting personality that had an ability to draw you in quickly, making you feel comfortable, safe, intimate and most assuredly loved. Children immediately warmed up to Nana, who was quick to smile, hug, and kiss them, bringing them close into her web of love. She considered all she met precious and had a very engaging way to make them feel that way.
Where did this openness to others come from? How was she able to so quickly unburden others of their problems and make them feel better about themselves? How was she able to love and be so positive in life?
I believe that the strength and gifts of her personality were directly tied to faith in God, Jesus and most especially Mary, the mother of Christ. She considered Mary her best friend and believed she had a direct line of communication with her. I will always remember my mother praying the rosary, keeping the beads close by her, keeping the faith. I believe that she lived her life on the premises that there is a spiritual solution to any of life’s problems and that prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was the path to peace. She died with a rosary in her hands, surrounded by images of the holy divine mother surrounding her. This strength of faith, devotion and prayer was her pillar during the trials and tribulations of life. Of the many gifts given to me by Mom was the gift of prayer, belief in a higher orders, and faith in spiritual answers. And this will be the way I choose to remember her. She would always advise to ask Blessed Mother for help, comfort, and answers to any problem I might have.
Mom lived a long and full life. During her life, her health was amazing. Until the end of her life she was never hospitalized, except when she birthed her kids. No surgeries, no immunizations, minimal contact with the health care system. She
didn’t like it and it scared her to death. When asked what was her secret of longevity and health she was quick to answers with one word: VITAMINS. She literally had a drawer full of them that she rotated through the week. I don’t know how she was able to keep it all straight.
During her 97 years she lived various places, NY, CA, and AZ. She was a full time working women throughout her life, providing a living example of the valve of work. She was not extravagant and lived simply, there also providing a positive example for us all. Her only indulgence and one of her true joys in life was playing bingo and going to the casinos.
Entertainment for her was socializing with friends and family around a bingo card or slot machine. She visited the casinos several times during the last week of her life. She lived close to her children throughout her life supporting and being supported by them. We all carry the memories of having her close.
She is survived by 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. She is
preceded in death by two husbands, Ernest Mann (my father) and Joe Garibaldi, son-in-law Lenard
Lisowski and a granddaughter Linda
Lisowski.
I believe that Mom is in a better place now, maybe on a porch swing attached to a cloud smiling at us, at all of creation, with the love of the precious mother.
God bless Grace, Mom, Nana, may she rest in peace.
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Some Some other things I have leaned from NANA: 
