surrounded by her loving family.
She was the wife of the late Russell A. Gracie who died in 2003. They had been married for
nearly 52 years.
Born and raised in New Bedford, she was the only child of the late Frank S. and Mary F.
Cardoza. She had resided in South Dartmouth since 1959. She was a graduate of New Bedford
Vocational High School Class of 1950.
In her younger years, Anita was employed by F.W. Woolworths and the Cliftex Corporation
until her early retirement to spend time doing what she loved - being with family and friends and
having fun.
Any family gathering was always special, where everybody was welcomed with plenty of
homemade food available. Anita never refused a social cocktail to celebrate the occasion. She
loved playing bingo, cards and going to Foxwoods especially with her friend (sister), Elsie
Louro. But most of all, Anita loved being with her children, grandchildren, and great
grandchildren. Each one had a special place in her heart.
She had a great love for her pets, especially her cats. Always remember Anita laughing and with
a big smile on her face.
Survived by her son Russell A. Gracie, Jr. and his wife Susan L. Gracie of New Bedford; her
daughter, Kathleen M. Gracie of S. Dartmouth; her three grandsons, Joshua A. Gracie of New
Bedford, Adam J. Gracie and his wife Rebecca of New Bedford, Russell A. Gracie, III and his
wife Elizabeth of Acushnet; her granddaughter Brianne N. Gracie and her fiancé Frank Bento of
New Bedford. She is also survived by her nine great grandchildren; Kelynn, Josh Jr., Savannah
and Charlotte Gracie of New Bedford; Aiden and Morgan Gracie of New Bedford; Caleb and
Hailey Gracie of Acushnet; and Weston Grey Bento of New Bedford; brother-in-law, Frank
Gracie; sister-in-law, Pamela Francis and nephew, Eric and niece, Melissa.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Teresa, her caregiver, who went above and
beyond caring for her throughout her last few years. Again, remember Anita with a smile on her
face and smile when you think of her.
Her funeral will be Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 9am from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME
at DARTMOUTH, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at
10am in St. Mary’s Church, 783 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth. Burial will follow in South Dartmouth
Cemetery, Elm St., Dartmouth. Visitation Monday 4-8 pm. For online tribute/directions
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