Sumner, Gerarda “Grada”, 94, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2021.
A resident of the Edgewood neighborhood in Cranston since 1962, Grada was predeceased by her beloved husband
Thomas (2005). She leaves a daughter Paula Strolen of Providence, niece Vicki Glaeser, and nephew Lawrence Biasatti, both of Michigan, as well as many cousins. Grada worked for several years at General Motors in Detroit, and later, as a secretary for the Diocese of Providence. She was an active member of the St. Paul parish community, one-time president of the Women’s Guild, and participant in the Prayer Shawl ministry until last year. As a native of Holland, Gerarda shared many stories of “Dutch ingenuity”, her experiences in wartime Europe, and early adulthood in Paris. Her friends and family will remember and miss this vibrant and talented woman, well-loved by so many.
Visitation Saturday, November 6, from 8:30 - 9:30 AM in the Jones Walton Sheridan Funeral home, 1895 Broad St., at Park Ave, Cranston, followed by Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 AM at St. Paul Church, One St. Paul Pl., Cranston. Interment will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Church, 30 Warwick Ave., Cranston, RI 02905.
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