Announcement of Death
Grace R. Santo (née Dame), a cherished resident of Wilmington, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at Central on September 28, 2024.
Biography
Grace was originally from Montague City, MA, born to Forrest and Doris Dame. Her family moved to Wilmington when she was young, and she spent her childhood attending local schools and building lifelong friendships. She pursued her education at UMass Lowell, then known as Lowell Technology School, where she became a certified accountant.
Grace began her career as a professional tailoress at a Ladies Sportswear Company and crafted “Ginny” Dolls while raising her children at home. Over the years, she also served as a traffic supervisor and court matron in Wilmington. Later, she worked as a switchboard operator for Thoratec and held positions at AstraZeneca, Inc., and Kennecott Copper Company before retiring.
Loved Ones
Grace was the beloved wife of Frank Santo, who predeceased her in 2010. She was a devoted mother to Louise Cain (and her husband Edward) of North Andover, MA, and Stephen Henderson (and his wife Mary Ann) of Norwood, MA. Grace was a treasured Nana to Laurie Westcott (and her husband Bill), Frank Cain (and his wife Rebecca), Allyson Costello, and Lindsay Bishop. She adored her great-grandchildren Ashley Fichera (and partner David Gardner), Caitlin Fichera (and partner Parker Gammon), Frank Cain, Samantha Cain, Vivienne Costello, Lyla Bishop-Paquin, Camille Costello, and her great-great-grandchild Maverick Gardner, with two more great-great-grandchildren, Lyla Gardner and Paisley Gammon, on the way.
Hobbies
Grace had a vibrant social life. She loved dancing with her late husband, Frank, at the Elks Lodge in Tewksbury. They also enjoyed snowmobiling, jet skiing, boating, and hosting family and friends at their beloved home on Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia, New Hampshire.
Memorial Services
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Nichols Funeral Home in Wilmington on Tuesday, October 1st, from 4 to 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Church in Wilmington on Wednesday, October 2nd, at 11:30 a.m., following a gathering at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Grace will be laid to rest at Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington.
Closing Thoughts
In honor of Grace’s memory, donations may be made to the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA.
