Obituary of Barbara Grasseschi

BARBARA ANN MCCARTHY GRASSESCHI

December 4. 1939 – January 20, 2023

 

 Barbara Grasseschi, age 83, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2023 at Collier Hospice Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.  Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on February 15, 2023 at the Spirit of Christ Catholic Church Chapel in Arvada.  Father David Rykwalder of Grand Island, Nebraska will be celebrant.  Disposition and burial of ashes will be at a later date.

 

Barbara was born to Robert and Laura McCarthy in Des Moines, Iowa in 1939.  Barbara’s childhood years were in Fremont, Nebraska where she attended Catholic school, grades 1 – 12 graduating in 1957 from Archbishop Bergan Catholic School, formerly known as St. Patrick Catholic School.  Following graduation, Barbara attended Saint Mary’s Women’s College in Leavenworth, Kansas graduating in 1961 with a degree in music.  Barbara later attended advanced special education schooling at Loretto Heights in Denver, Colorado.

 

During a 40-year career, Barbara taught music and primarily second grade.  She also taught dance (ballet and ballroom) at her studio in Alliance, Nebraska.  She retired in 2000 after teaching second grade at Stott Elementary School in Arvada, Colorado.  She took great pride in her work and parents frequently requested their children be placed in her classroom.

 

Married to Thomas (Tim) Grasseschi in 1985 and lovingly accepted as Mom by his children, Cristi Lee Parker, Thomas James Grasseschi, Michael Alan Grasseschi, and Jason Sean Grasseschi.  Survived by sister Dixie Easdon of Hutchinson, Kansas.  Brother William Robert McCarthy (Bill) predeceased her on January 1, 2023. 

 

Barbara loved all animals, especially her dogs who were with her throughout her life.  She also had horses for several years and enjoyed English and Western riding.  Barbara was a talented pianist and played a baby grand piano in her home for many years.  She also played piano and organ at church throughout her schooling years.  Barbara was easily recognized by her many hats that she so often wore.

 

Barbara enjoyed all aspects of life and will be missed especially by her husband Tim, “adopted’ children, all the family, and many friends throughout the years.