Della Grace Guarino

Della Grace Guarino passed into eternal life joining her beloved Joe and other family members on Friday, the 23rd of June 2023. She lived a full, rich and rewarding life filled with family, friends, grace, elegance, smiles, laughter, a sharp wit and a kind and loving heart. She was born in Houston on the 1st of August 1927 to Joseph Anthony Trapolino and Della Grace Ciulla Trapolino. After graduating from St. Agnes Academy in Houston in 1944 she attended the University of Houston where she graduated in 1948 with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. Shortly after graduation she married the love of her life, Joseph M. Guarino. Della Grace lost her father at the age of 8 when he was killed in the line of duty as a Harris County Deputy Sheriff. She always said that God took her father but gave her another Joe as her husband whom she loved and cherished. They became inseparable life partners and embarked upon a 62 year love affair until his death in 2010. They took loving care of her mother, Della Grace Trapolino, who lived with them and became an integral part of the family. Della Grace and Joe enjoyed the rich rewards that God bestows upon those who cultivate a loving family and many dear friends. Their lives were marked by duty, honor and virtue and they were wonderful representatives of our Nation’s “Greatest Generation.”

Joe served for many years as a Harris County Criminal District Court Judge and Della Grace was his number one supporter. She was active in community, religious and civic activities and became the first woman to serve on the Board of Governors of St. Joseph Hospital. She served as president of the Hospital’s Public Relations Council and chaired its highly successful Benefit Show. She volunteered with the Hospital’s Auxiliary for many years working countless hours in a number of areas including the Emergency Room where she satisfied a calling to help those in need. She was a member and officer in the Charity Guild of Catholic Women for over 50 years and was a charter member of the Donne di Domani women’s charitable organization that celebrates Italian heritage and culture and supports local charities. Della Grace and her husband were named by the Pope as Knight and Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Della Grace was an accomplished Mahjong player. She also enjoyed the game of tennis and played it for many years. Her love and enthusiasm for the Houston Astros was unequaled. While involved in community activities, Della Grace’s real priority was her family who affectionately called her “Mimi.” She always put their needs first and cherished the time she shared with them. Della Grace and Joe also enjoyed traveling the country and the world with family and friends and spending time with those they loved at their bay home in Jamaica Beach.

Della Grace was preceded in death by her parents and husband, her sister-in-law Natalie Guarino Voelkel; brothers-in-law Peter J. Guarino, Michael J. "Mickey" Guarino Jr. and James "Bucky" Voelkel. Our beloved "Mimi" is survived by her three children, Michael Guarino and wife Jeannie, Gregory Guarino and wife Joanne and Kathy Guarino Danna and husband Dr. Bernard Danna; six grandchildren, Jodie Guarino Stocker and husband David, Allison Danna Jones and husband Brad, Kelley Guarino Caballero and husband Buster, Carol Danna Harrison and husband Lee, Gregory Guarino Jr., Drs. Ben Danna and wife Christina as well as her twelve great grandchildren, Grace and Burton Stocker, Austin, Connor and Madeline Jones, Pip, Gus and Ellis Caballero, Landon, Nora and Maddox Harrison and Peter Danna. She lovingly referred to her grandchildren and great grandchildren as her “jewels.” Other relatives include her sisters-in-law Myra Guarino and Mary Ann Guarino, cousin Joan Fontana Coker whom she loved as a sister and her husband Arnold as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lisa Kopas and Dr. Pat Cook for the wonderful care and attention they provided. A special thanks also to Rosa Carcamo, Gabriela Martinez, Karolina Munoz, Charlotte Norman, Raquel Rosales, Lonnie North and Houston Hospice for their kind and loving care.

The family will gather for a private Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, where Father Wayne W. Wilkerson is to officiate.

Rite of Committal will take place at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are her grandsons, along with John Parsley, Howard Katz and Grant Morton.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Della Grace’s memory may be directed to Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 6301 Culebra Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238, St. Agnes Academy, 9000 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX 77036, Strake Jesuit College Prep., 8900 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77036; or a charity of one’s choice.

Please visit Mrs. Guarino’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.