Published August 30, 2019
MELROSE — Edith A. Grassi, 95, long-time resident of Melrose died peacefully at Meadow Green Nursing Center in Waltham on August 24, 2019. She was the beloved wife for 61 years of Robert N. Grassi who predeceased her in 2014.
Edith was born in Haverhill, one of eight brothers and sisters. She was an excellent student and graduate of Haverhill High School. She attended Tufts University where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree summa cum laude in 1945. She was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. She further pursued her education earning a masters degree from Wellesley College in 1946. After graduation, she became a Latin teacher at Abbot Academy in Andover, a women’s preparatory school which merged with Phillips Academy in 1973. She enjoyed her days at Abbot immensely and continued to teach Latin until she married Robert in 1952. After their marriage, Robert and Edith lived in Philadelphia, but returned to Massachusetts shortly after the birth of their first child. They settled in Melrose in 1956 where they resided for over 58 years.
Edith brought the same zeal to her roles of wife and mother as she did to her academic and professional life. She was completely devoted to her husband and children. She loved to entertain, hosting many beautiful holiday celebrations. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and became an accomplished cake decorator. Forever the teacher, she always encouraged the academic studies of her children and grandchildren and took great pride in their achievements. She also loved ballroom dancing and spent many Saturday nights with Robert swinging across the dance floor to the sound of Big Band music. She was a faithful member of the Parish of the Incarnation.
Edith is survived by her two children: Clement J. and his wife Santina (Marchica) Grassi of Winchester and Anita M. and her husband G. William Buttwin of Lincoln. She is the cherished grandmother of Christina and Robert. She also is survived by her sister Natalie of Haverhill and by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, August 29 from 4-7 p.m. at Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster Street, Melrose. A funeral procession will be held on Friday, August 30 at 9 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Parish of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St., Melrose. Burial will follow at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edith’s memory to Catholic Relief Services, P.O Box 17152, Baltimore, MD, 21297-1152, or crs.org. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
