Graciela E. DeRose, affectionately known as "Grace", passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, in Fall River, Massachusetts, at the age of 68.

Born on April 21, 1957, in Sao Pedro, Nordestinho, Azores, Grace's life was a rich tapestry woven with love, resilience, and an indomitable spirit.

Grace was the beloved wife of Francis A. DeRose, with whom she shared a cherished union of nearly 50 years. They were married on March 26, 1977, at Santo Cristo Church in Fall River, MA, a day that marked the beginning of a loving and devoted partnership that was admired by all who knew them. Together, they built a warm and welcoming home and raised two children, Anthony F. DeRose and Norma F. DeRose-Kopel, who brought immense joy and pride to Grace's life.

Grace was a vibrant soul known for her candid demeanor and her unwavering work ethic. No job was ever too big or small for her to tackle, as she approached each task with dedication and a commitment to excellence.

Grace's family fondly remembers her as a spirited woman who always spoke her mind, never sugar-coating her words but delivering them with love and sincerity. Her forthright nature was a testament to her authenticity and added a unique shade to the tapestry of her relationships.

Grace's love for animals was well-known among her friends and family, and she doted on her fur family members as if they were humans. Pollyanna, her fur baby daughter, along with fur grandbabies, Yoda and Marilyn, were cherished companions who filled her days with joy and love.

Her passion for collecting Barbie and porcelain dolls, baking delicious sweets, and spending time outdoors were just a few of the hobbies that filled her life with happiness and fulfillment.

She is survived by her loving husband Francis, son Anthony, daughter Norma (husband Joseph), and her siblings: Isabel Campos (husband to late Antonio), Fatima Medeiros (husband Jose Luis), Maria Connie Sousa, Sofia Oliveira (husband Emmanuel), Judith Piedade (husband Antonio), Maria Botelho, Olga Goncalo (husband Robert), and younger brother Tiago along with several nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maria (Cabral) and Fernando Sousa, her sister Nalie, and her brother Jose F. Sousa.

A visitation and service following to honor Grace's life will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Southcoast Funeral Home, 1555 Pleasant St., Fall River, MA.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman whose memory will forever be cherished in their hearts. Her strength was our foundation, her love our guide.

Services are humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast Funeral Homes "Celebrating A Live Well Lived"