Quiriconi, Mary Grace Mary "Grace" Quiriconi was born in Brockway, Pennsylvania, on January 17, 1924, the 12th of 14 children. Her parents Beatrice and Pasqual Murone immigrated from Italy as teenagers. During World War II, she tried to enlist in the military only to be told she didn't meet the weigh requirement. They said she was "too skinny." An adventurous young woman, Grace moved to Connecticut to find work where she met and married her first husband, John DeCesare, with whom she had three children. Artist, homemaker, saleswoman, fabricator and business owner, Grace was always busy. In 1978, she met and married her second husband, Gino Quiriconi. After many years in business they retired in Florida. After Gino's death, Grace moved to California where she made many friendships through St. Martin of Tours Widows Club and the American Legion Auxiliary. Grace's real joy came from her two granddaughters with whom she enjoyed many hours of fun. She battled Alzheimer's disease for 10 years but her true spirit prevailed. She was always cheerful and happy to be alive. Grace is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Janet and Jeremiah Murphy, daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Dan DeFeo and her son John DeCesare as well as three grandchildren, Emily Murphy, Leah Murphy and Nick DeFeo. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. and interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association . Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on July 27, 2010