WATERBURY – With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Mrs. Grace E. (Little) Cocchiola, age 85 of Waterbury, shares the news of her peaceful passing on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved wife of Michael Cocchiola, to whom she’s been married for 43 years, and together for 55.

Grace was born on November 15, 1940, in Caribou, Maine, the daughter of the late Amos and Ella (Drost) Little. Grace devoted her professional life to serving as a machine operator at Sherwood Medical. Her dedication and work ethic were admired by many, but her true legacy is found in the love she shared with her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Michael Cocchiola, and a nurturing mother to her children. Grace’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family, whether it was enjoying breakfast together at Dad’s Diner, shopping side by side with her husband, or showcasing her talent for crafting and sewing. Above all, though, Grace cherished her relationship with the Lord and found strength and solace in the Bible.

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life filled with love, faith, and countless warm memories. Grace E. Cocchiola will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Left to cherish and honor Grace’s memory, beside her beloved husband, are her children: Reverend Paul T. Little and his wife, Lynn of New York, Roseanne Ruggles of Hamden, Paula Allard and her fiancé, Jeffrey Shoneck of Southington, and Jennifer Aubrie and her husband, Michael ofWaterbury, her sisters: Merleen Cote of Waterbury and Phyllis Jones of Illinois, as well as hercherished 18 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. Grace was predeceased by her brothers: Gary Ladd, Glen Little, Delbert Little, Sterling Little, and Merle Little, as well as her sister, Shirley Cote.

A Celebration of the life of Grace Cocchiola will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. Relatives and friends may pay their respects and visit the Cocchiola family on Wednesday, January 21, from 9:00 a.m. until the service commences at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to send a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. To send a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com.