Grace Idella Cardell (née Cassidy) passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024, in Livingston, NJ, at the age of 88. She was born on May 21, 1935, in Elizabeth, NJ to Francis and Laura Cassidy.



Grace realized an immense calling in life to care for others, working as a Nurse at Mountainside Medical Center and later as a Teacher of Special Education at various NJ schools, including Elizabeth, Cedar Grove, and as the Coordinator of the Health Occupations Program for Clifton. She earned a Master's of Arts in Special Education from William Paterson University, and multiple specialty certifications in her field. She was an elected member of Pi Lambda Theta National Honors Society for Educators.



In her leisure time, Grace enjoyed watercolor painting, reading, line dancing, tea socials with friends, and traveling. She was a member of the Franklin Township Women's Club and the Canal Walk Bible Study Group in Somerset. She was a woman of many talents and interests, always stylish, detail-oriented, and artistic.



Grace's devotion to her family, friends, and pets was often the first thing noted about her. She is survived by her son David Cardell, grandchild Robbie Baker, and brother Edward Cassidy. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, brother Donald Cassidy, sister Cynthia Sevilis, husband Emid (Sonny), and children Loretta and John.



A service to honor Grace's life will be held on June 8th, 2024, 11-1 at Caggiano Memorial Home in Montclair, NJ. Grace will be dearly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hope Christian Services, 700 Mountain Ave, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.