MANN, Grace Mary

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 11/11/2011 Grace Mary Mann (Caimano) died Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, surrounded by her family at home. During her 97 years she lived various places, mostly New York, Calif., and Arizona. She worked full time from the time she was young until she retired, providing a living example of the value of work. Grace was not extravagant, truly enjoyed her simple life, and was a role model for all. Her only indulgence and one of her true joys in life was playing bingo and going to the casinos. Entertainment for her meant socializing with friends and family or playing a bingo card or slot machine. She happily visited the casinos several times during the last weeks of her life. Grace lived close to her children throughout her life supporting and being supported by them. "We all carry the memories of having her close." Grace had a full, rich, inviting personality with an ability to draw you in quickly, making you feel comfortable, safe, intimate and most assuredly loved. Children immediately warmed up to "Nana," who was quick to smile, hug, and kiss them, bringing them close into her heart full of love. She considered everyone she met precious and had a very engaging way of making each person feel special. She lived her life on the premise that there is a spiritual solution to any of life's problems and that prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was the path to peace. She died with a rosary in her hands, surrounded by images of the holy divine Mother surrounding her. "Grace is in a better place now, maybe on a porch swing attached to a cloud smiling at us, at all of creation, with the love of the precious Mother. God bless Grace, Mom, Nana; may she rest in peace." She is survived by four children; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and brother Robert Wackett. She was preceded in death by two husbands: Ernest Mann and Joe Garibaldi; son-in-law Leonard Lisowski; and granddaughter Linda Lisowski.