Grace Marie Kearns' Obituary
Grace Marie Kearns (Baldessaro), 79, of Millsboro, Delaware (formerly from Wilmington, DE and Altoona, PA), passed away on December 10, 2022, after a ten-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Grace was born on May 13, 1943, to the late Joseph and Catherine Baldessaro, in Altoona, PA. After graduation from Altoona High School, she attended Beauty School that allowed her to open her own salon, in addition to other businesses through her life. Grace enjoyed being an entrepreneur. In the local area, many would recognize Grace and her family and their two local businesses: Millsboro Coin Laundry and Millsboro Daycare.
In addition to her parents, Grace is preceded by her brother, Anthony Baldessaro, and her sister Carmella DiGiammo. She is also preceded by Jack Russell, to whom she was married for over 15 years. Together they had two children: Jack Russell, Jr. and Alisa Hassler (Russell). Years later she married John Kearns, expanding the family to include Edie Haughey, J. Casey Kearns, and Randy Kearns.
Although she never truly retired, as she enjoyed being busy, Grace enjoyed traveling, the casino and family time. The family spent countless hours enjoying each other's company at family dinners and local restaurants. Out of all that she enjoyed, the times she spent with her grandchildren were the ones she cherished most. She was able to spend countless hours with them as they were growing up, as owner of Millsboro Daycare, which her grandchildren attended.
Grace is survived by her husband, John Kearns; her daughter, Alisa Hassler and husband Rob; her son: Jack Russell, and wife Marybeth; her four step-children: Jaclyn Ewing and husband Josh; Edie Haughey, Casey Kearns, and his wife Mary; Randy, his wife Maryann; and "bonus daughter" Ania Castagna and husband EJ; and twelve grandchildren: Jack, Joey, Robert (Taylor), Catherine, John "Little Casey," Hunter; Matthew (Hanna); Andrew (Molly); Dylan; Daniel; Caroline; and Sierra. Also surviving are three great grandchildren: Ellie Hassler; Lennox and Henry Haughey along with cousin Rosalie Baldessaro; lifelong friend Joan Bruskin; and countless other friends and family members.
The family would like to thank all of their family and friends for your love and support. The family also extends deep appreciation to the staff of Harrison House in Georgetown for taking such great care of Grace throughout the years.
A viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, at the Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro, DE from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM with Rev. Dr. James Van Der Wall officiating. Grace will be transported to Altoona, PA and be in the care of Santella Funeral Home for a graveside service and committal at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 19 at Calvary Cemetery, 2417 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA.
Flowers are welcomed, or in lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Honor of Grace to the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Room 250, Philadelphia, PA 19106, We will forever be Grace's Gang.
Electronic condolences to: www.watsonfh.com
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