Graziella “Grace” LaPorta, 54, of Mashpee, formerly of Wareham, passed away peacefully at Falmouth Hospital on January 9, 2021. She was the loving partner of Charles Brandt for eight years and daughter of the late Giuseppe and Rosa LaPorta.
In addition to her partner Charles, Grace is survived by two children, Dillon Probert, of Mashpee, and Gabrielle Probert, of Mashpee; two sisters, Anna Prokop, of Wareham, and Maria LaPorta, of Wareham; two nieces, Christina Warner, and Brittany Prokop; her nephew Joseph Barrett; and her great niece Brenna Warner. Grace was predeceased by her nephew Michael Prokop.
She battled with ALS for 25 years and found joy in the little things; the company of family, friends, and her dogs, Lucy, and Allie. She took pride in her garden and ability to provide for others in any way she could. Grace was a brave participant in early clinical trials to fund research for a cure. She helped raise funds for ALS charities and even created her own fundraiser, “Take Aim at ALS”.
She graduated from Wareham High School, voted class clown of 1984. She worked as a school bus driver for many years at the Mashpee Public Schools but was most proud to have owned and operated “Just for Kids” daycare.
Grace lived a beautiful life full of laughter and with a smile that would light up a room. She had an affinity for life like no other and will serve as an example of what it means to live life to the fullest. She will be dearly missed but her soul is finally free.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALS Family Charitable Foundation, 1 Trowbridge Road, #322, Bourne, MA 02532.
