Grace Mary Galassi Latessa, 93, passed away Friday evening, September 29, 2023 at Whitney Place in Natick, surrounded by family.

She is survived by her children: E. Michael Latessa and wife LeAnn of Bradenton, FL; Tina Furdon and husband Jim of Natick, MA; Robert Latessa and wife Patricia (predeceased) of Cincinnati, OH; Beth Ann Latessa of Plainville, MA; and Brian Latessa and wife Monique of Bristol, RI and her sister, Jeanne (Galassi) Bonfanti of Lebanon, PA.

She was the beloved Nonna of 12 grandchildren: Krista, Bobby, Jenna, Corey, Alex, Lauren, Matty, Kelsey, Andrew, Doménique, Luke and Ben, and 7 great-grandchildren: Jax, Dia, Meredith, Harper, Josephine, Ben and Soryn.

Born in Lebanon, PA on July 1, 1930, she was the daughter of Alessandro and Mary (Luciotti) Galassi. She grew up with a large extended family with many roots in the Lebanon area; she graduated Lebanon Catholic High School, married the father of her children, Ernest Latessa, and raised her young family there until 1966, when they moved to Wellesley, MA.

Grace made Wellesley her home for over 40 years, where her house on MacArthur Road was an open door to so many over the years. She loved cheering at her children's games and tailgates, and made many lifelong friends during this time. Never having a driver's license, she logged countless miles walking across town, from Fells Market to her office at Wellesley College. She enjoyed a long career at Wellesley, where she worked for 27 years in the Development Office and Students' Aid Society and housed several students at MacArthur Road.

Grace was the quintessential Italian nonna. She had a big personality with an even bigger heart. Her way of showing her love was through cooking and baking her many specialties, from homemade pasta to shoofly pie. She always made sure you had something to eat, whether that was sitting down for a full-blown meal or handing you biscotti on your way out the door.

Grace was also a huge fan of Tom Brady during the Patriots' championship reign, never missing a game to root on "her Tom" or the chance to tell you what she thought of Gisele. Some even say she missed her big break as one of the original members of the "80 for Brady" cast.

After retiring from Wellesley College in 2007, Grace returned to her roots in Lebanon to spend more time with her mother, sister, brother-in-law, extended family and friends. When she returned to Massachusetts in 2021, she quickly became a favorite of the nurses and aides who oversaw her daily care. She loved getting her nails painted - red only - and looking at photos of her family. She especially loved watching videos of and getting visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and reserved her biggest smiles for those moments.

Above all, Grace lived    for her family. They were her greatest pride and joy. She was ever-present in their lives, no matter how near or far. She loved being a part of their concerts, recitals, games, meets, weddings, holidays and parties. She leaves behind a legacy of handwritten recipe cards in her signature scroll, savings bonds, voicemails and FaceTimes, and a treasure trove of memories that will keep her spirit alive forever.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 3, 2023 at  St. Mary's Church, 2 North 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17046. Interment will follow at Grand View Memorial Park. A visitation will be held prior to Mass from 9-10 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Mary's church at the above address. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com