Angela Grass

Angela Grass, age 91, was called home to God, peacefully on Monday, December 13, 2010, her loving daughter Loretta Raimone and Grandson Anthony Raimone at her side. She was born on March 10, 1919 in Manhattan, NY. The daughter of Angela and Simon Urbanski, one of nine children. Predeceased by her Husband, Engelbert Grass and her son Frederick. Devoted Mother of Angela Abbene and her Husband Michael, Loretta Raimone and her deceased Husband Anthony. Loving grandmother of Dominick, Anthony and his Wife Lisa, Michele Sheridan and her Husband Dennis. Lovingly known as "Babcha" to her great grandchildren Dina Marie, Anthony Thomas, Lisa Marie, Anthony D and Frederick and great-great-grandchildren, Lucas and Nicklaus. Angela's zest for life lured her to travel. She visited Poland several times where her love of her Polish Heritage deepened. She cruised to Germany with her Husband Engelbert and son Frederick. Rome with the Legion of Mary was a very special trip where she had an audience with Pope John Paul II. Angela with daughter Loretta toured Italy Rome, Naples, Assisi, Pizza, Monte Cosino, Venice, Padua, Florence and Vatican City for the beautification and canonization of the Polish nun, St. Faustina, who had the vision of Divine Mercy. Angela's love of nature took her to the Catskill Mountains, where she walked for miles during the day and danced her Polish Polkas all evening. On February 16, 1966, Angela entered into the Third Order of St. Francis and was passionate about attending meetings and all night vigils traveling by bus to 34th St. in Manhattan. Angela had a great devotion to St. Padre Pio and she arranged a celebration of his life for his followers led by Father Martin, Padre Pio's close associate. As Angela's spirituality deepened she desired to work with the poor. She met Mother Theresa in Harlem who espoused the philosophy that "all should find their own Calcutta." Doing just that Angela joined a cloistered order and was a postulant working with the impoverished in Mississippi. She was called home as her beloved son Frederick was killed in a skiing accident. Angela moved to Rockland County in 1976 and resided with her daughter Loretta Raimone, the Clarkstown Receiver of Taxes. Being a spiritual person, Angela joined St. Augustine's Parish and was an active member of their many community programs. While living in Nanuet, Angela was a member of St. Anthony's Parish. Angela served the Clarkstown Republican Committee for over 20 years, and had the distinction of being the oldest committee member in Clarkstown. She viewed her position as a serious responsibility and had actively participated in many Republican campaigns at the local, state and national levels. She was honored in 2002 as "Committee Woman of the Year". Angela was deeply spiritual and was filled with love and life throughout her 91 years. She will be terribly missed and dearly remembered by all whose lives she touched. Family will receive friends at the Higgins Funeral Home, New City, NY on Thursday, December 16, 7-9 PM and Friday, December 17, 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM at St. Augustine's Church on Saturday, December 18, 2010. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery.