Emily Marie Grady

Cookie Grady was born 84 years ago in Fresno, California to James and Gina Papageorge. Her parents were both immigrants from other countries (Athens, Greece and Genoa, Italy). Cookie attended Kindergarten at St John’s Catholic School and continued her education at San Joaquin Memorial High School. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dan Grady. During her time at San Joaquin Memorial, Cookie developed many enduring friendships that served to be an important part of her adult life while she and Dan raised their 5 children. Graduating in 1955, she worked for Fresno Pacific Telephone Company and enrolled in classes at Fresno City College until she married her high school sweetheart, Dan. Upon starting a family, they made the commitment to raise their 5 children in the Catholic School System. Cookie was devoted to supporting her children during their 25 years of schooling at both St. Anthony’s and San Joaquin Memorial. Cookie served in countless capacities including PTA member, room mother, yard duty mother, chaperone, hot lunch mother, carnivals, spaghetti dinners and SJM Booster’s Club. Cookie was a 35-year member in the Holy Rosary Orphanage Society associated with San Joaquin Memorial. She actively supported multiple fundraising events including The Holy Rosary Rummage Sale and Casino Night. Her involvement with the society enabled her to continue the beautiful lasting friendships she developed during her high school years.

Her love of family and devout Catholic faith were the driving forces that enabled her to raise her children successfully. Education was a valued focal point within the home. With passion and persistence she praised her children for their accomplishments' and celebrated their growth. In 1978, Cookie started to work for Fresno Unified School District, serving over 20 years as an Instructional Assistant at Viking Elementary School and Library Technician at Tenaya Middle School. After retirement, Cookie was invested in raising grandchildren. She could often be seen at St. Anthony’s School picking up a carload of precious grandchildren. She continued active membership in Holy Rosary, hosting Bridge Club and Wine Tasting Group.

She cherished the unforgettable times spent camping and vacationing at the coast, most of which were spent at favored spots in the Aptos and Capitola area. Her family will treasure the memories they built on various tropical destination trips and adventures.

Cookie leaves behind an indelible mark on her family through her sacrifices, to be loved so completely and fully by a mother is her legacy.

She now joins her eldest daughter, Kelly Grady, and her husband, Dan Grady, in Heaven. Cookie is survived by her daughter Jackie and son-in-law Michael, her son Dan, her daughter Christie and fiancé Eamon Meehan, and daughter Ann Marie and son-in-law, Doug Gocke. Her surviving grandchildren, whose lives were shaped by her love and wisdom are Nicole, Madison, Brady, Riley, Kelly Gocke, Isabella Gocke, Tanner Grady, Reece Grady, and great-grandson, Camilo Vargas, along with countless friends. She will be laid to rest at a private committal ceremony at St. Peter’s Cemetery.