Grace Geraldine Abate

Grace (Gerri) G. Abate, born in 1939 in Detroit Michigan, passed away on August 9, 2023, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Preceded in death by her beloved husband Angelo, father Peter J. Licavoli, her mother Grace R. Licavoli and brother Teddy. Is survived by her twin brother Michael, brother Peter, Jr., her sister Cathy, five children- Lea, Nino, Grace, Peter and Angelo, Jr., daughter in laws, son in laws, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren.

In 1944, Gerri’s family moved from Detroit to Tucson, where she lived much of the year at the main residence at Grace Ranch. Gerri attended Tucson’s St. Joseph’s Academy, Villa Carondelet and later, Salpointe High School, where she graduated in 1958.

Gerri was born into a big, beautiful – and wild and crazy - Sicilian family, where there was always an abundance of love, laughter, and world-class Italian food, three things Gerri would one day pass on to her children.

In 1955, while she was still in High School, Gerri was betrothed to the love of her life, Angelo A. Abate, Sr. In 1960, after Angelo returned from his tour of duty in the army, they were married. Gerri had five children in almost as many years. Gerri was a loving mother and a beautiful, faithful wife until Angelo Sr. passed away in 2017, after more than 56 years of marriage.

Gerri will always be remembered as a fierce defender of her family, her friends and her Sicilian heritage. Someone with a heart as big as the Rincon Mountains, and who was always quick to laugh, lend a helping hand, and forgive when she was wronged. Gerri always gave her best and always wanted the best for everyone, especially her family. She will be greatly missed.

A Funeral Mass is scheduled for September 9, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. Thomas More Newman Center, 1615 E 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85719. Afterwards, the family will host a Celebration of Life at the Newman Center Hall.