With heartfelt love and remembrance, we celebrate the life of Mary Grace Braccio (nee Bargellini), of Plainfield, originally from Riverside, who passed away on November 6, 2025, at 82. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Frank Braccio. Loving mother of Carla (Ronny) Christmas, Rena (Kenneth) Kuratko and Julie (Michael) Jamiolkowski. Proud Nonni of Julia, Jessica, Jenna and Jorie Christmas, Madison and Katie Kuratko, Isabella, Joseph, and Gianna Jamiolkowski. Dear sister of Adele Bargellini and the late Marilisa Jurasas and fond sister-in-law of the late Geraldine Prancik.

Grace was born on August 7, 1943, in the beautiful town of Lucca, Italy, to her loving parents, Giulia and Ghino. The youngest of three daughters, she shared a close bond with her sisters, Lea and Mari. At the age of seven, Grace came to the United States aboard the Conte Biancamano, beginning a new chapter of her life.

In her early years, Grace worked as a fashion designer, creating women's clothing patterns with a natural sense of style and creativity. She later married, Joe, and together they built a wonderful life and raised three daughters, Carla, Rena, and Julie. Their home in Riverside, was the base of the families traditions, foundation and, of course, the smell of wonderful Italian meals.

Grace and Joe shared many adventures together, including running a small, family-owned Italian restaurant called Braccio's. Joe ran the kitchen while Grace greeted customers with her warm smile and welcoming personality. The restaurant became a special place where family, friends, and neighbors gathered to share good food and great company.

Grace went on to build a successful career in real estate, working for Coldwell Banker for many years. She was known for her hard work, honesty, and the way she made everyone feel like a friend. Her clients trusted her completely, not just because she was good at what she did, but because she truly cared about helping people find a place to call home.

Grace and Joe eventually settled in Plainfield. Family meant everything to Grace. She loved her nine grandchildren with all her heart. She shared a special bond with each one, filled with love, laughter, and her quick wit. And whenever one of them called out, "Hi Nonni," she would look up with her big, loving smile and reply, "Hi sweetheart." Being surrounded by family was where she was happiest.

After retiring from real estate, Grace started a new chapter working as a lunchroom supervisor at Indian Trail Middle School in Plainfield. She loved being there and spent over ten years greeting the students each day with her warm smile and kind heart. The kids loved her just as much as she loved them, and that job truly brought her so much joy.

Grace had a special place in her heart for dogs, especially her loyal Sadie, who was by her side for 15 years. She also adored Tucker, Bruno, Maggie and Dutton, her grand-dogs who always made her smile. Some of her favorite days were spent in Venice, Florida, where she loved being by the gulf but most of all being their with her family.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. Mary's Church 105 Herrick Road in Riverside, for a memorial visitation from 10:00 am until the time of Memorial Mass at 11:00am. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Grace's honor (www.alz.org). Arrangements entrusted to the Original Kuratko Family-Brian D. Kuratko, Funeral Director. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.