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Timeline for Grace Geraldine Abate
Born: November 28, 1939
Died: August 9, 2023
Grace (Gerri) G. Abate, born in 1939 in Detroit Michigan, passed away on August 9, 2023, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Preceded in death by her beloved husband Angelo, father Peter J. Licavoli, her mother Grace R. Licavoli and brother Teddy. Is survived by her twin brother Michael, brother Peter, Jr., her sister Cathy, five children- Lea, Nino, Grace, Peter and Angelo, Jr., daughter in laws, son in laws, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren.
In 1944, Gerri’s family moved from Detroit to Tucson, where she lived much of the year at the main residence at Grace Ranch. Gerri attended Tucson’s St. Joseph’s Academy, Villa Carondelet and later, Salpointe High School, where she graduated in 1958.
Gerri was born into a big, beautiful – and wild and crazy – Sicilian family, where there was always an abundance of love, laughter, and world-class Italian food, three things Gerri would one day pass on to her children.
In 1955, while she was still in High School, Gerri was betrothed to the love of her life, Angelo A. Abate, Sr. In 1960, after Angelo returned from his tour of duty in the army, they were married. Gerri had five children in almost as many years. Gerri was a loving mother and a beautiful, faithful wife until Angelo Sr. passed away in 2017, after more than 56 years of marriage.
Gerri will always be remembered as a fierce defender of her family, her friends and her Sicilian heritage. Someone with a heart as big as the Rincon Mountains, and who was always quick to laugh, lend a helping hand, and forgive when she was wronged. Gerri always gave her best and always wanted the best for everyone, especially her family. She will be greatly missed.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for September 9, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. Thomas More Newman Center, 1615 E 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85719. Afterwards, the family will host a Celebration of Life at the Newman Center Hall.
In memory of Grace Geraldine Abate, NICK MOCERI lit a candle
“To know Gerri was to love her. Cuz (was her greeting to us when we would talk) we think of you often with a smile. You always made us laugh, I'm sure Angelo is waiting for your kind heart. you both will be in our hearts and on our minds forever. Our love and sympathy to all your family. I just found out today and my heart goes out Nick and Antoinette Moceri, your cousins from San Diego.”
Dear Abate and Licavoli Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Im surprised, and saddened by Geraldines passing. Our moms had a 70+ year friendship. What an amazing testamony about trust and loyalty to one another. I had gotten the pleasure of updates from every converation my mom, Nancy 'Gaver' Iovino, had with your mom. And, Wow, did she love all her family! Again, im so sorry for your loss on this earth, and yes, this world may have just gotten a little sadder with both these fiery personalities gone but heaven is now filled with laughter, love, and a whole lotta fun. Sincerely Katie
Gerri was my sister-in-law, but really a sister I never had. We shared fun, laughter, tears and many many years of memories! I am truly missing my best friend. My brother Angelo, Gerri, my husband Frank and I were great compadres. We miss them terribly. You are both with the Lord, save us seats?
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to Gerri's family and friends. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Sweet Gerri, you were always so kind to me. I was blessed to be able to know you. Rest easy honey.
My favorite memory of Gerri I is we were taking a walk down Bayside when she lived on Kimberly. And she was pregnant with Angelo and we walked up to the restaurant up there on Harper which was called The village inn at the time and we got a hot fudge Sunday and that night she went into labor and when I talked to her she said guess what I had the baby and he came out with hot fudge all over him and being young I thought it was so funny she just was funny and made us laugh all the time she had a great spirit about her and a great smile. She was known as Jerry a body who lived on Kimberly with all the wild children LOL. Her and Angelo are the best and they always treated us kids really really good. And she liked when we all came over she never made us feel uncomfortable you guys had a great mom I know you're going to miss her very much all my love and prayers Roseanne gelsoni. Demic curio
My condolences to the entire family. I had the privilege of spending a little time with Geri. She talked about all of her children with love, humor and a good amount of pride. She loved each of you tremendously. As you work through your grief, I hope Ll of you will share good stories and happy memories. May the Lord Bless each of you and give you comfort.
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
In memory of Grace Geraldine Abate, NICK MOCERI lit a candle
“To know Gerri was to love her. Cuz (was her greeting to us when we would talk) we think of you often with a smile. You always made us laugh, I'm sure Angelo is waiting for your kind heart. you both will be in our hearts and on our minds forever. Our love and sympathy to all your family. I just found out today and my heart goes out Nick and Antoinette Moceri, your cousins from San Diego.”
Dear Abate and Licavoli Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Im surprised, and saddened by Geraldines passing. Our moms had a 70+ year friendship. What an amazing testamony about trust and loyalty to one another. I had gotten the pleasure of updates from every converation my mom, Nancy 'Gaver' Iovino, had with your mom. And, Wow, did she love all her family! Again, im so sorry for your loss on this earth, and yes, this world may have just gotten a little sadder with both these fiery personalities gone but heaven is now filled with laughter, love, and a whole lotta fun. Sincerely Katie
Gerri was my sister-in-law, but really a sister I never had. We shared fun, laughter, tears and many many years of memories! I am truly missing my best friend. My brother Angelo, Gerri, my husband Frank and I were great compadres. We miss them terribly. You are both with the Lord, save us seats?
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to Gerri's family and friends. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Sweet Gerri, you were always so kind to me. I was blessed to be able to know you. Rest easy honey.
My favorite memory of Gerri I is we were taking a walk down Bayside when she lived on Kimberly. And she was pregnant with Angelo and we walked up to the restaurant up there on Harper which was called The village inn at the time and we got a hot fudge Sunday and that night she went into labor and when I talked to her she said guess what I had the baby and he came out with hot fudge all over him and being young I thought it was so funny she just was funny and made us laugh all the time she had a great spirit about her and a great smile. She was known as Jerry a body who lived on Kimberly with all the wild children LOL. Her and Angelo are the best and they always treated us kids really really good. And she liked when we all came over she never made us feel uncomfortable you guys had a great mom I know you're going to miss her very much all my love and prayers Roseanne gelsoni. Demic curio
My condolences to the entire family. I had the privilege of spending a little time with Geri. She talked about all of her children with love, humor and a good amount of pride. She loved each of you tremendously. As you work through your grief, I hope Ll of you will share good stories and happy memories. May the Lord Bless each of you and give you comfort.
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.