Obituary of Grace Natalie Celona

In loving memory of Grace Natalie Celona, 95, of Brooklyn, NY, who peacefully passed away on December 23, 2023 at the home of her daughter in Baldwin, NY. Born on August 5, 1928. The oldest of four siblings, Grace's life was an embodiment of love and joy. At 21, she met her beloved husband Nick on the beach at Coney Island, where their lifelong journey together began. Their 53-year marriage was a testament to unwavering devotion until Nick's passing in 2003. Grace's contributions to her community were profound; she served as president of the Parish Counsel at St. Finbar Church and played a pivotal role volunteering with St. Finbar School. Grace lead many fundraisers such as Casino Night and the annual Dinner Dance. Her dedication extended to the Boy Scouts, where she served as a senior council member for over 30 years, earning numerous accolades for her selfless leadership. Summers were spent creating treasured memories with family and friends at the Palm Shore Pool Club in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, where laughter, swimming and sunshine abounded. A 10 year career at the Treasure Chest Company, showcased her sales acumen, where she grew to be the top salesperson in NYC for five consecutive years, as a direct sales person for bridal trousseaux of Cookware, China, Crystal and Cutlery. She was always dressed to impress with her high heels and hair and make up perfectly done. Grace also loved to cook and bake, and you could always find her singing a tune while she whipped up a meal for her family or while baking a cake for her weekly Friday night mahjong games. Throughout her life she loved to dance and sing and adored attending shows on Broadway and she also was a bit of a poet, known to write long tributes in poetic verse. Her favorite vacations included cruises to the Caribbean and trips to Italy with her husband and many close friends. Her friendly and outgoing personality led her to forge numerous friendships, wherever she traveled, both within her community, and beyond. Her family playfully teased her about the diverse friendships she effortlessly made wherever she traveled, suggesting that even the fruit flies couldn’t resist her charms, sharing with her, their secrets about the sweetest fruit at the market. On occasion, her family would even find a surprise guest joining them for dinner or a holiday meal, as everyone was always welcome in her home. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Grace leaves behind a legacy of love survived by her daughter Joanne (Joe), son Nicholas (Denise), daughter Valoree (Geoffrey), and cherished grandchildren Steven (Trish), Michael (MarieLisa), Jennifer, Danielle, Nicole, Charles (Kara), John, Antonia, and great grandchildren Livia and Mara.