Grace Anne Gilberti

Heaven has gained an angel – Grace Anne (Chase) Gilberti. Born September 30, 1928, in Tupper Lake, NY, "Gigi" died peacefully at High Point Regional Hospital in High Point, NC, on Monday, October 29th.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Dr. Michael V. Gilberti, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, and presently of Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point, NC; son Michael V. Gilberti, Jr., Esq. (and Paige) of Basking Ridge, NJ; son Lawrence F. Gilberti, Esq. (and Ellen Tobie) of Philadelphia, PA; daughter Nancy C. Gilberti (and Lascelle Mussenden) of Folsom, CA; twin daughters Laura A. Rine and Lynne M. Gilberti, M.D., both of Greensboro, NC; and son Gary J. Gilberti (and Susan) of Cornelius, NC. She was loved by eight wonderful grandchildren whom she adored dearly, and a new great-granddaughter.

As the only child of Lila and Herbert Chase, Grace was raised in Tupper Lake, NY, in the company of many cousins whom she regarded as her siblings. Her family moved several times due to her father’s work with the Veterans Administration, eventually to Asheville, NC, where she graduated from high school as valedictorian, and to Butler PA, where she met and married her husband, Michael, who was an Army physician. After the birth of their first child, Michael, Jr., in Coatesville, PA, Grace and Mike relocated to Pittsburgh, PA, where they lived until 2008.

In addition to the full time job of raising a large and active family, Grace managed many additional pursuits, willingly donating her time to several causes and organizations. Before audiotapes and recordings were commonly available, she spent many hours reading textbooks on tape for the blind. She served for many years on the Women’s Auxiliary of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, often planning and organizing the annual fundraising events, and supporting other hospital functions. Grace’s volunteerism extended to Shady Side Academy, where she remained an active and supportive parent for over twenty years, including hosting a British exchange student who has remained a lifelong family friend. Once her children were older, she returned to school and achieved an Associates degree from Allegheny Community College. Upon graduation, she served as a Victim Advocate, preparing and accompanying victims to court appearances, for which she was recognized as “Volunteer of the Year” by the Allegheny County, PA, court system.

Grace greatly enjoyed the opportunities she had to travel, and loved to tell stories of her trips to San Francisco, and her cross-country adventure in an RV, which included hiking down and sleeping under the stars in the Grand Canyon and rafting down the Colorado River – quite an accomplishment for someone with a fear of heights!

Grace had a passion for plants and gardening, and through her local Garden Club won numerous awards for her arrangements and displays. She took up tennis which she enjoyed with the ladies, and golf so that she could enjoy retirement with her wonderful husband, especially when they wintered in Florida. She was also accomplished in sewing and needlework, and enjoyed making clothing for her children and grandchildren. She was an extremely loving wife and mother who made sure that her children fulfilled their dreams.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 9, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at Pennybyrn at Maryfield Chapel located at 1315 Greensboro Road, High Point, NC, with reception to follow.

Memorials may be made to: The Pennybyrn at Maryfield Charitable Care Fund, attn: Development Dept., 109 Penny Road, High Point, NC, 27260, or Hospice of The Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC, 27262