Obituary: Joanne Therase (Eberlein) Gracy, 75, of Southbury

Information via Carpino Funeral Home

Southbury – Mrs. Joanne Therase (Eberlein) Gracy, 75, of Southbury - beloved friend, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, died Wednesday evening, August 23rd at River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury after a long illness. She was the wife of the late Bernard E. Gracy Sr. Mrs. Gracy was born September 11, 1941 in Jamaica, Queens, New York, the only child of the late George Eberlein and Rose Vastano. She was a graduate of Woodbury High School. Upon graduation she worked at the Harris Transducer Corporation in Woodbury where she met the love of her life Bernie Gracy. Bernie and Joanne were married April 28, 1962 and enjoyed 42 years of marital bliss until his death in 2004.

Joanne was a very active communicant of Sacred Heart Church. For over 20 years she co-led Sacred Heart’s Covenant to Care ministry with her dear friend Ellen Baczeski – helping to meet the needs of children in the Greater Waterbury area. For her efforts she was recognized by Family Services of Greater Waterbury with the Good Neighbor Award and the Saint Joseph Medal from the Archdiocese of Hartford. But her greatest reward was the difference she and Ellen made for literally thousands of children in the region. Joanne was also an active member of the Friends of Gladys Taber where she developed close friendships. Joanne leaves one son, Bernard E. Gracy Jr and his wife Deborah of Hollis NH; one daughter Linda G. Sparks and her husband Howard of Cheshire; 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, several nieces and nephews, and her cherished community of family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church, Covenant to Care, 910 Main Street South, Southbury CT 06488.