Grace Marie Earl

Grace Marie (Catholdi) Earl, age 53, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Saint Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, Massachusetts.  Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on March 24, 1969, she was the daughter of David and Mary Catholdi.  She was raised in Norwood, where she graduated from Norwood High School with the Class of 1987.  Following her graduation, Grace took a position with NHD Hardware in Norwood.

Grace married her husband, Richard A. Earl, on September 29, 1988, in her hometown of Norwood.  Together, they made their home in Walpole, Massachusetts, where Grace took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her four children, Dawn, Holly, Richard, and Cassidy.  In addition to raising her family, Grace worked the night shift at Osco Drug Store in Norwood.  She later took a waitressing position with Bickford's on Route 1 in Sharon, before serving in the cafeteria at Walpole High School.  More recently, in 2010, Grace made her home in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Throughout her life, Grace loved spending time at the beach, soaking up the sun.  As an 80s fanatic, she loved listening to her favorite music of the decade, especially Aerosmith.  In addition, she enjoyed listening to all the hit songs by Elvis or Cher and more recently Adele.

More than anything, Grace was devoted to her family, truly living to be a mother.  She treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren.  Her love continued beyond her own family, as she was known to open her home to her nieces, nephews, and other children in the neighborhood. 

Beloved wife of Richard A. Earl.

Loving mother of Dawn M. Earl and her partner, Santos Umanzor, of Norwood, Holly E. Earl of Stoughton, Richard P.A. Earl of Norwood, and Cassidy M. Earl of Norwood.

Cherished grandmother of Emilia Marinho, Anthony Umanzor, Jasmine Lopez, and Dante Umanzor.

Daughter of David Catholdi of Attleboro and Mary Catholdi and her partner, Sandy Distelrath of New Bedford.

Sister of Kelly Castro of New Bedford, Angela Catholdi of Worcester, and Lindsey Knott of Concord, NC.

Also survived by her many loving nieces, nephews, and "adopted" children.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Grace's Life Celebration on Monday, January 9, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Funeral Home Service will follow at 7:00 PM.  Interment will take place privately.  At the request of the family, please wear something purple as it was Grace’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, Grace's family requests that donations be made to her Go Fund Me Campaign to help with expenses during this difficult time.  Funds can be donated using the following link https://gofund.me/a8fc8f63