Grace (Barbato) Sodano

Grazia “Grace” (Barbato) Sodano, of Worcester, a devoted mother and grandmother passed away surrounded by family Saturday, June 18th 2016.  She was 88 years of age. Grace was born in Marigliano, province of Naples Italy, one of ten children of Pasquale and Anunziata (Liccardi) Barbato.  She grew up in Marigliano, and married her love Salvatore Sodano. For the next 17 years, Salvatore and Grace began to raise their family, immigrating with their children to the United States in 1967.  Aside from the occasional trip to visit family, Grace has lived here ever since.  In 1977, Salvatore suddenly passed away leaving Grace with small children and a family to raise.  Her unwavering faith and determination, Italian heritage and love for her family, she guided and nurtured them for life. Grace provided for her family by working in the sewing department of the Worcester State Hospital for more than 23 years retiring as department supervisor. Grace is survived by her dedicated family, Pina Gosselin and her husband Joseph of Worcester, Antonio Sodano and his wife Eleanor “Ellie” of West Palm Beach Florida, Armando Sodano and his wife Christina of Charlton, Pasquale Sodano and his wife Alexandra of Worcester; a sister, Teresa Cacciate of Worcester; 13 beloved grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; Many nieces, nephews, and extended family members both here and in Italy.  Grace was pre deceased by three brothers, Sebastiano, Gaetano “Guy” and Stefano “Steve” Barbato, and five sisters, Mafalda Soter, Anna Lanotte, Italia DiGennaro, Orsula Cercielo and Maria Sacco.  Grace was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church.  She enjoyed he occasional trips to Foxwoods, Las Vegas, or Atlantic City, ocean cruises and traveling back to Italy to visit family. Grace was happiest when her family visited for traditional family dinners, holidays, especially Christmas Eve and any time she could be with her children and grandchildren.  Nothing came before her family and their wellbeing.  She was a fantastic cook of all Italian delicacies and pasta and no one who entered her home ever went home hungry or without something in hand. Grace’s funeral will be held tuesday, June 21st from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto church, 37 Massasoit Rd. where her Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 11:00 am.  Burial next to her husband Salvatore will follow in Mt View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.  A period of calling hours will be held from 9:00 am to 1030 am prior to departing for church.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Massachusetts, 480 Pleasant St. Watertown, and Ma 02472