Obituary of Grace Falcone

40 Year Foreign Language Teacher, Grace (Antonia) Falcone Grace, distinguished Foreign Language Teacher and avid traveler and volunteer, was cherished for her absolute love, selfless giving, attention to detail, and devotion to her family. “Grace went to be with the Lord on August 15, 2013, as a result of a long battle with Ovarian Cancer,” said Matthew A. Falcone, her husband of almost 50 years. Her daughter Denise recalls, “Mom was a light that made everyone smile because of her selfless, fun-giving nature. She was family focused and was the glue that held us all together.” Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Grace graduated Fontbonne Hall Academy School and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Fordham University. She later earned her Master of Science and Educational Administration Degrees from Long Island University. She excelled academically and was awarded a scholarship to The University Savoie, Nice, France. After more than four decades in the classroom, Grace retired from Babylon Jr./Sr. High School in 2002. She loved teaching and she loved her students, and they freely expressed their indebtedness for the contributions she had made to their academic and personal development. The same qualities that made Grace a skilled and effective teacher deeply enriched her relationship as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law and friend. Her ability to listen and really understand, her patience, her thoughtfulness and compassion, her generosity of time, her spirit, and her articulate and straightforward way of talking through a question, idea, or challenge earned admiration, appreciation, and trust. Grace took great joy in the pleasures of life: her family, friends, cooking, travelling, volunteering and shopping. She contributed and donated her time and talents to many groups and organizations, including the Church of Saint Mary Rosary Society, American Association of University Women, Manhasset Community Club, Inc., Plandome Women’s Club, The Guild of Saint Francis Hospital, Manhasset Women’s Coalition and North Hempstead Country Club. She was predeceased by her parents Victor and Antonetta Creatore of Brooklyn, New York. She is lovingly survived by her husband Matthew, daughter Denise, granddaughter Lauren, her brother Nicholas, and sister-in-law, Mary Lou, her nephew Nicholas Jr., her niece Suzanne, future son-in-law Vincent along with his children Isabella, Nicole and Anthony. Many will miss her. (In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Manhasset Women’s Coalition, P.O. Box 1007, Manhasset, NY 11030. (516) 627-2410).