Grace was born on January 22, 1916 in Negaunee, Michigan, but moved back to Italy as an infant with her family, where she would later meet the love of her life, Salvatore. They were married in the mid-1930s, and began raising their family of four children — Antonina, Mario, Giuseppina, and Dominic — in Messina, Sicily.
In 1950, the family immigrated to St. Paul, Minnesota, seeking a brighter, more prosperous future. Eventually, the family made their way west, landing initially in Modesto, California, where Grace and Salvatore started their first restaurant. The family found their forever home in 1961 in San Jose, California, and opened and operated two restaurants — first Half Moon, followed by Napoli Pizza (currently Gunther’s on Meridian Avenue).
Grace was strikingly beautiful, even into her 100s, her physical slightness a contrast to her giant personality, sense of humor, and fierce loyalty, love, and devotion to her family. Grace never met a microphone she didn’t love, and her talents in the kitchen were legendary. She was active as a Eucharistic Minister in her church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Willow Street in San Jose, and continued walking to Mass on Sundays well into her 90s.
Grace had the unparalleled experience of living through the Spanish flu, World War I, and World War II. During her lifetime, she welcomed nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. Along the way, she said goodbye not only to her cherished husband Salvatore, but also to her beloved son Mario Morganti, his wife Karin, and their daughter Grace; and to her son-in-law, Angelo Tomassi.
Grace is survived by two daughters, Antonina "Nina" (Alfio) Saglimbeni and Giuseppina “Pina” Tomassi; her son Dominic Morganti; her Grandchildren — Anthony (Cindy) Saglimbeni, Maria (Stan) Saglimbeni Jones, Salvatore (Bronwyn) Saglimbeni, Philip (Colleen) Saglimbeni, Michelle (Cate) Morganti, Vickie (Art) Johnson, Stacy Johannaber, and Sal (Shannon) Morganti; 19 Great-Grandchildren; and five Great-Great-Grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose, CA; and the Funeral Mass on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 325 Willow Street, San Jose, CA, with Graveside Service to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Clara, CA.
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