Marcella Grignon

"When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts." Love. More than anything else, Marcella Grignon is known for her love. Helpful, giving, caring, selfless, she is all these things. And, she will continue to be all these things, because while she was among us, and still, in our memories, Marcella is a beautiful, sweet, beloved angel. She was the youngest of nine siblings, a wonderful wife, attentive mother of seven, and also a matriarch to a family which included numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marcella was a classic mid-century American homemaker. She spent her days creating a haven for her husband and her children, a safe space full of unbridled energy and teeming with affection. Though the washing machine, clothes dryer, and stove were always on overtime, she managed the household effectively and the comfort she provided was truly a shelter of tenderness and caring. Married in a civil ceremony at city hall in 1954 to her high school sweetheart, Richard, Marcella was a devout Catholic. Every evening she had a home cooked meal on the table and on Sundays, prepared a roast dinner. She raised the children, she cleaned the home, she kept the household all together as one. Without Marcella, the home would have faltered. Yet, she never let that happen, despite her husband's tiresome work schedule and the complications of a multitude of children. Marcella was the foundation of the family: her love bound family and home together. Marcella was quiet, shy, private, and very kind. She preferred to keep her feelings close to her own heart and in doing so, graciously provided her family with strength, resilience, and courage. She endured her dear husband's death in 1992 and later, the loss of one of her precious sons. She grieved quietly, turning inward, deciding it was best for her loved ones if she hid the complexities of her own heart. Marcella's nature was to be stoic in the face of adversity and, of course, the loving parent, rather than the disciplinarian. Always aware of her husband's burden in providing for a family of nine, Marcella took on a job when her children were old enough to mind themselves. She was employed in a tool and die shop near the home to make ends meet. Working outside of the home gave Marcella a newfound sense of independence. She was proud of her paycheck and that she could do more to help her husband and alleviate maintaining the household. For Marcella, work, in and outside her home, was the bread of life. It was meaningful, helpful, essential, and relevant. Work was the thing which kept the family functioning. Marcella also delighted in rest. She and her husband loved to bowl, and weekly league nights were a much-needed break for the couple. Perhaps her greatest pleasure was playing cards. Whether it be gathering with her lifelong friends, women from the Goodell Street neighborhood, with relatives and siblings at family parties, Marcella found great joy in the small escape which a game of cards provided. She also appreciated a visit to the local Bingo hall, where she eagerly played this game of chance. Marcella was absolutely dedicated to providing order and peace in her home: she was the rock upon which her family relied. Willing to give her children the last dollar from her pocketbook, support them without question in their own parenthood, and sacrifice her own comfort for theirs, if it was in her means, Marcella never denied her family anything. Not so unexpected, Marcella collected angels. Ceramic, wood, resin figurines, it didn't matter. She had an entire display case solely dedicated to her angels. Perhaps she felt safe and peaceful with them. Perhaps the angels resonated with her deep sense of faith. Maybe she cherished their beauty. No matter the reason, we know that Marcella was drawn to these holy beings because in her life she carried with her the same kindness, the same generosity, the same heavenly spirit -- guiding, protecting, loving -- as ascribed to these faithful souls, for she was truly one of them. And may we take comfort in knowing that the next breath she took after her last, was in the company of those who loved her beyond all measure. She is with her husband, her mother, and all of those who passed on before her. She is with God and there is no joy greater than that. Marcella is survived by her children, Dennis and Katie Grignon, Richard and Renee Grignon, Jerry and Lisa Grignon, Brian and Beth Grignon, Kathy and Lou Ray, Sharon and Ken Smith, and her late son Chris' wife, Susan Grignon, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Please click the link to view the celebration of life of Marcella Grignon.