Elaine Grassi

Elaine Grassi, 81, died peacefully March 19, 2015 at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune surrounded by her loving children. Elaine was born in Brooklyn, NY and completed her education at Hunter College with a degree in English and a double minor in Philosophy and Ancient Cultures, which she said qualified her to do the NY Times crossword puzzle in pen. On August 10, 1957, she married the love of her life, Raymond Grassi, her husband of 52 years. She was a gifted writer and poet, who eagerly took up Italian later in life with classes in her community. She was a dedicated friend and nurturing mother with an unshakeable faith in God. When residing in Colts Neck, she was an engaged volunteer at St. Mary's Parish in Colts Neck through programs such as counseling, Pre-Cana and as a Confirmation Coordinator. An accomplished cook, the Sunday dinners in the Grassi household were legendary. Elaine will be greatly missed by her friends and surviving family. She is survived by her brother Jack Mann, San Fransisco, CA; her 5 children and their spouses, Danielle and Ken Mossman, Wilton NY, Jim and Kathleen Grassi, Freehold, NJ, Andrew and Sandy Grassi Cromwell, CT, Janine and Marc Busala, Lincoln University, PA and Christina and Bill Pierson, Austin, TX; and Grandchildren, Zachary and Michael Grassi, Cai Mossman, Gianna and Chiara Busala and Owen Pierson. She has been reunited with her beloved husband, Raymond who died in 2009. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 2- 6pm at the D’Elia Funeral Home 1300 Vermont Ave. Lakewood, NJ 08701. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 10:30AM at the St. Mary of the Lake Church in Lakewood. Interment will take place at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery in Lakewood. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Elaine’s memory to ALS TDI (The ALS Therapy Development Institute) 300 Technology Square, Suite 400, Cambridge, MA 02139 als.net or Joan Dancy and PALS Foundation, Riverview Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701 joandancyandpals.org For further information or to post a tribute please visit www.deliafuneralhome.com.