Grace Stella Carrier

Grace Stella Carrier, born July 3, 1926

Grace was a force of nature. She started her life as the youngest of 13 siblings consisting of 7 sisters and 6 brothers all of whom were born to Sicilian parents, Gaetano and Grazia and all born in the United States. Being the youngest, she grew up vey independently and care free under the charge of her sister who was assigned the responsibility for her care, Her father was crippled early by a train accident and was fitted with a peg leg. Her father died when she was only 10 years and her mother had the immense responsibility of supporting the family. This was accomplished full time in her garden selling plants that she nurtured and produce that she grew and scratched out an income.

It should be said that she was days short of her 99th birthday and witnessed many historical events in American history from the Great Depression to the Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who she admired throughout her life, to the Kennedy assassination, for which she was spellbound by the televised coverage.

Grace was frustrated entrepreneur in the body of a dedicated mother caring for her four boys where her role was chef disciplinarian. When her husband, who she deeply loved, retired her acute entrepreneurial instincts were activated. Grace went on to start the Emporium leading a group of ladies and which is still operating today. This was quickly followed by buying and running a shop in New Market. She was responsible for buying and selling residential real estate many times having an enviable record for never incurring a loss. She was a vibrant and active woman up to the accidental mountain climbing death of her son David 2.5 years ago which marked her decline.

Grace is survived by her two sons James aged 72 and John aged 67. Her vitality and spirit will live on but will be missed by many people who remember her well. It was a life lived long and full. May God bless her and reunite her with her entire family that predeceased her.

Family and friends are invited to call at the DeVol Funeral Home, 10 E. Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Martin of Tours Church, 201 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in North Cemetery, Lunenburg, MA on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM.