Grace H. Konisky

Grace H. (DiReda) Konisky, 92, of Worcester, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at UMass Memorial Medical Center.  She was predeceased by her first husband of 26 years, Raymond Humphreys and her second husband of 14 years, Anthony Konisky.

She is survived by her stepdaughter-in-law Linda Konisky, grandchildren, Stephen Grodzke of Southbridge, Melissa Doray, and her husband David of Auburn, Bridget Duval and  fiancé Calvin  of Warren and Matthew Duval of East Brookfield,  Anthony and his wife Nancy of Millbury, Jennifer Konisky and fiancé Nick of Spencer;  great grandchildren: Benjamin, Thomas, and Mia Grace Doray along with Gianna and Julea Konisky.  Many nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by her daughter, Jean Duval; stepchildren, Michael Konisky, Cheryl Lominsky and her siblings, Thomas, James, Dorothy, Mary DiReda, and Ann Buckley.

Born on August 4, 1928, Grace was the daughter of Mauro and Helen (Digiorno) DiReda.  Grace has been a native to Worcester for all her life. She graduated from Commerce High school Class of 45.  Growing up in the city she had a tight-knit group of friends and was very close to her family. While working at Astra Pharmaceutical she met her husband Raymond Humphreys. During their 26-year marriage they welcomed a daughter Jean. Grace doted on her only child.  After Ray’s passing at a young age, Grace was widowed for 10 years. She spent her time volunteering at UMass Memorial with Palliative Care and working with Down Syndrome groups. Grace loved playing tennis and travelling all over the world. Some of her favorite places were Brazil, Italy, and New York City. She eventually met and married her second husband, Tony. She would describe those 14 years as the happiest time in her life. Grace always had a fear of animals including dogs, so we knew she loved him because Tony was an avid dog breeder.   After Tony’s passing, she found herself single again.

Often you could find her in the kitchen singing along to her country music, working on a puzzle, and sipping her coffee.  She was also very sociable and loved getting together for a party.

Those who knew Grace understood that she was fiercely independent right up until the end of her life.  Whether it was meeting friends for lunch, having breakfast with Linda, visiting her great grandchildren, or casino-hopping with her life-long friend Hank Abasciano. She leaves with us a lifetime of laughter, fond memories, and her unconditional love. It was a blessing to have her on this Earth for 92 years.

Grace’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Calling hours at the funeral home will be held prior from 2 – 5:30 p.m. Due to the COVID pandemic, masks and social distancing will be observed at the funeral home.  Burial at Notre Dame Cemetery will be held privately at a later date.  To leave a message of condolence or share a special memory of Grace please visit her memorial site at mercadantefuneral.com