Obituary of Grace Marie Vittorio

Grace Marie Vittorio, 89, of Duluth, passed away peacefully Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, in St. Luke's hospital surrounded by her family. Grace was born in Duluth April 3, 1926, to Elmer and Dora (Miller) Carlson. She attended school in Proctor before going to beauty school. Grace worked as a hairdresser for many years. Grace was an avid sports enthusiast. During her youth she participated in recreational sports. She was a catcher in fast-pitch softball and a speed skater of which she won many races and a championship award. She was on a bowling league at Stadium Lanes for many years with her family and friends. She attended UMD college hockey games with her grandchildren and also enjoyed watching baseball games at Wade Stadium and softball games at Wheeler field with her best friend, Elma Hage. She found great pleasure in watching football, golf, baseball and especially loved watching the Little League World Series. Grace was devoted to the Lord and a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She would also attend church services at Viewcrest Health Center. Grace was a compassionate, kindhearted and nurturing person. She was a gentle soul that genuinely cared for all. She was dedicated to her family and was an amazing mother, grandmother and friend. She is loved deeply and will forever be in our hearts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Dora Carlson; brothers Elmer "Curly", Walt and Mike Carlson; sister Shirley Warner; and son Gary Vittorio. Grace is survived by her children, Diane Vittorio-Moeller and Jeff (Nicole) Vittorio; grandchildren Nicole and Eddy Moeller, Stephanie and Nicholas Vittorio, and Bradley and Kyle Hanson; great-grandchildren Abbigale and Gracelynn Burch; siblings Doris (Dody) Skull and Curtis (Buddy) Carlson; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. Our family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke's hospital and Viewcrest Health Center, Pastor Christine Anttila, and those who created memories with Grace throughout her life journey. A GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 9:30 until the 10:30 a.m. celebration of life Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth. Interment will be at Oneota Cemetery. Cremation Society of Minnesota, (218) 624-5200.