Rose (Souza) Grossi

Rose (Souza) Grossi, of Norwood, formerly of Dedham and Jamaica Plain passed away on September 16, 2023. She was 109 years old.

Rose was born in 1914 in the Azore Islands of Portugal and emigrated to the United States when she was 6 years old. She lived in Cambridge and attended Cambridge schools. Rose married the love of her life, Emilio, in 1932 when she was 18 and he was 21 years old. They had a home in Jamaica Plain after WWII and 7 years later they moved to Dedham. She worked as a waitress for a number of years before returning to school to become a bookkeeper.

Rose loved to exercise and attended many heath clubs and exercise classes over the years. She was an avid reader. Up until the age of 106, she would read 5 or 6 books per month. She read all of the classics and was a huge fan of Shakespeare. When she turned 99 and could no longer make it to the Dedham Library, the library would deliver books to her.  She loved listening to opera on records or on PBS and knew every story.

Rose also loved to cook, specializing in Italian and Portuguese dishes. Sunday dinner was a constant in her home.  Another highlight of her life was when she traveled back to the Azores to see the family home she was born in.

Rose was happiest surrounded by the love of her family.

Rose was the dear and devoted wife of the late Emilio “James” Grossi. Loving mother of James M. Grossi of Dedham, Anne Grossi of Bedford, NH and the late Marie Smith. Cherished “Grandma” of Richard Smith, Joshua Garrett and his wife Katay Boonvong, Melinda Garrett and the late Kenneth Smith and Mark Smith. Dear sister of the late Ascension, Irene and Maria.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to the visiting hour on Thursday September 21, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Kfoury Keefe Funeral Home 8 Spring St. (at the corner of Centre St.) WEST ROXBURY. Funeral Prayers will be said at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rose’s memory may be made to Catholic Charities 275 W. Broadway, Boston, MA 02127.

Rose will be laid to rest with her beloved Emilio at Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.

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