Natalina “Emma” Grno
December 21, 1928 -
November 22, 2019
Natalina “Emma” Grno, age 90 of Kenosha, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019, at Hospice Alliance, Inc/ Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie.
Born on December 21, 1928, she was daughter of the late Louis and Amelia (D’Ambrsio) Faraca. She attended local schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School, Class of 1947. She furthered her education and graduated from UW Parkside in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in English and Women’s Studies.
Emma met the love of her life, Charles “Bob” Grno at Art’s Lunch Box, where she was a waitress. After Bob’s persistent courtship, they were married on October 29, 1949 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Their union was blessed with 65 years of marriage; sadly, Bob passed away on May 31, 2015.
She worked for Kenosha Unified School District as secretary at Washington Junior High and Bose Elementary for over 40 years. She was a great joke teller and an avid reader. Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune made her day. She was a whiz on her Ipad and played Word with people across the country. Organizations she belonged to included Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Alter Society and Catholic Women’s Club. She also served as a Girl Scout Leader 1964-1967.
Emma participated in the retired secretary’s breakfast club, Washington Jr High Retiree breakfast group, Bose Elementary Luncheon group, SkiNoshians, Angie Ventura’s dinner club, Novel Brunch Monthly Reading Club and Bradford Alumni 1947. Emma received awards as a Bose PTA Volunteer Award, Kenosha Unified Distinguished Service Award, University of Wisconsin Outstanding Award in English and the Bose School Good Citizenship Award.
Emma will forever be in the hearts of those she loved especially her three daughters, Dr. Jeanne (Raul) Medina of Milwaukee, Joanne Boysen of CO and Joy (Douglas Czerwinski) Lane of Verona; her nine grandchildren, Matthew, Meryl and Martin Medina, Jill Ingenito, Joseph Boysen, Jenny Dahl, Michael Lane, Lindsay Stenson and Robbie Lane; her eleven precious great grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and husband, Bob; Emma was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary, Rose, Art, Emil and Ida.
Service Info
Funeral Services honoring Emma’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 2224 45th Street. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the church for the Mass. Entombment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at the Piasecki Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 26th from 4:00 p.m. and concluding with a rosary at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospice Alliance, Inc. 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pl. Prairie, WI, 53168 would be appreciated by the family.
Posted by:
Clare, Dennis, and Andy LaseckiSo many wonderful memories of a loving, intelligent, charitable aunt. Great wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She and Uncle Bob were quite a team. They put their entire souls into everything they did from businesses to hobbies. They added some spice to a close, extended family. Jeanne, Raul, Joanne, Joy, and Margie were tremendous caregivers for the last several years of her life. She will be fondly remembered along with the rest of the Faraca clan which was beautifully led by "Molly".
Posted by:
Virginia FennemaMy deepest condolences to your family for the loss of such an amazing woman. I admired and adored your mother as she became my mentor and friend my first few years of teaching at Washington Middle (Jr) School. If I had questions or was in a "crisis" Emma would always be there giving me an encouraging word. I am sorry for her passing but, as you all know, I am sure that she lived her life to the fullest and you must have such wonderful memories of her, just as I do. I will not be able to attend her funeral, but my prayers for her and you are heartfelt. Blessings to all of you, Virginia Fennema
Posted by:
Martha RendonI was in a class with Emma at Parkside, and we had become casual friends. One night I arrived st school exasperated with my daughter, Emily, for losing an inexpensive necklace from her grandmother. It was the letter E, garnished with minuscule diamond chips. Emma said she had the same necklace and insisted that I take it for my daughter. This was such a kind gesture, so appreciated by my daughter and me alike. No explanations due to Grandma, either. And that’s my Emma story. Probably 25 years old, but I’ve never forgotten the story, the generosity, or Emma. God speed.
Posted by:
Pam Connors (Getschman)I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Hospice was a blessing for my Mom and I hope they were for you all too. I remember her as not only Jeanne’s mom but the best secretary at Washington Jr High!! I know she will be missed and my prayers go out to all your families . May God be with you every step of the way as you face this difficult journey.
Posted by:
Susan DybaOur sincere condolences to you and your family Sending our love, thoughts and prayers, to all of your family, Jeanne. Emma is now at peace and back with your dad!! May they Rest In Peace ???? Love, Susi Lloyd and Erik
