Obituary of Grace M. Parlo

On April 7, 2011, Grace M. Carozza Parlo (Gracie Marie) walked into the arms of her Lord, Savior and Friend Jesus Christ. She was born May 3, 1923 in Elmira, NY to Peter and Mary Delora Carozza. She attended Elmira Catholic Schools, graduating from Elmira Catholic High School in 1940. Grace worked in the Elmira area for many years as a medical secretary, the Chemung County Sheriff's Department and for the United States Government FEMA Office until her retirement in 1987. She and her husband Peter retired to Fort Myers, FL and traveled all over the country together. They returned to live in the Elmira area for several years before settling in Bemus Point. Gracie was the beloved wife of Peter A. Parlo whom she married November 25, 1942 and with whom she celebrated their 68th anniversary. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her children and grandchildren were the most important part of her life and often said how lucky she was to have them and that she was truly blessed by God. Gracie was a friend to everyone, everyone loved her and she never met anyone she didn't like. She loved to entertain friends and family whenever she could, and was the life of the party. She was a wonderful Italian cook and loved to bake. She had a generous spirit and a wonderful sense of humor, and was a faithful servant of her Lord Jesus. Gracie believed in the power of prayer and was known as a prayer warrior. She always had her rosary with her. Gracie also loved doing word search puzzles, scratch off lotto tickets, playing bingo and watching comedies on TV. Family time was her favorite time.Gracie is survived by her husband Peter A. Parlo of Bemus Point and three loving daughters Mary Ann Parlo and Andi (Jim) Swartzman of Bemus Point and Tina (Joseph) McGrane of Horseheads, NY. She is also survived by her grandchildren Michelle (Chris) Gilboy of Watervliet, NY, Joey (Sue) Paradis of Apex, NC, Jennifer Vanstrom of Niagara Falls, NY, Kristin Vanstrom of Jamestown, Doug (Nikki) Vanstrom of Lawtons, NY, Lindsay Grace Swartzman of Venice, FL, Brian and Matthew McGrane of Horseheads, NY. She would tell you she had the most beautiful great grandchildren in the world, Julien Louis Melloni, Kaitlyn Lucia Vanstrom, Ayden Wilson Danielson, Jack Michael and Luke Anthony Paradis, Sophia Elizabeth and Delaney Grace Vanstrom and great grand dogs Bella and Luigi Gilboy. She is also survived by sister-in-law Sue Carozza, brother-in-law George Farr, Butchie & Judy Parlo, Cynthia Parlo, and several nieces and nephews. Gracie was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Joseph, Peter and Michael Carozza, her sister, Teresa Farr, sister-in-law Frances Waters and brother-in-law Fabian Parlo. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home. Pastor Clyde Mohl will officiate. Burial will be in Bemus Point Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 Sunday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. You may light a candle in remembrance of Gracie at www.lindfuneralhome.com The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Heritage Green/Parkside Unit, and Katie, Michelle & Dawn, for their love and attention to our Gracie Marie.