WATERBURY - With heavy hearts, the family of Grace J. (Pettinicchi) Ducharme, age 91, announces her passing on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Grace passed away peacefully at Saint Mary’s Hospital, surrounded by the love and care of her daughters. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, the late Robert Ducharme.

Born in Waterbury on March 29, 1935, Grace was the daughter of the late John and Luisa Pettinicchi. A lifelong Waterbury resident, she graduated from Waterbury Catholic High School before earning a business degree from Bryant University. Grace later dedicated many years of her career to working for her family’s business, the East End Convalescent Home.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. True to her faith, Grace was known for her selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own. A devoted parishioner of Saint Leo the Great Church, Grace truly loved being part of her church community. She was an active member of the Ladies Guild for many years and faithfully served as a point person for the prayer line until the time of her passing.

Above all, Grace’s greatest source of pride was her family. She loved spending time with them, whether taking drives and shopping trips with her sisters, visiting the casino, or playing card games. She particularly enjoyed playing setback, where she always happily took on the role of scorekeeper.

An eternal optimist, Grace had a bright spirit and a way of leaving everyone she met with a smile. Her positive energy was infectious, and she truly brought joy to everyone around her.

She leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply, including her daughters, Denise (Ducharme) Foley and her husband Jim of Cheshire, and Catherine Ducharme of Wolcott; and her grandchildren, Ryan Foley of Brooklyn, NY and Leah Foley of Hamden, CT. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Besides her parents and her husband, Robert Ducharme, Grace was predeceased by her sisters, Elvira “Hilda” Moreau, Pauline DiChiara, and Frances Nardoia.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Ducharme will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, leaving the funeral home at 10:30 AM to St Leo the Great Church, 14 Bentwood Dr, Waterbury, to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with the Ducharme family at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care at 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705, on Friday morning from 9:00 am until leaving for the church at 10:30 a.m. In addition to flowers, and to honor Grace’s memory, donations can be made to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy P.O. Box 951 Stockbridge, Massachusetts. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Grace to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.