Grace Custer was a lovely woman with a beautiful smile who made the world a better place. After a short illness, she passed away on Tuesday, June 21st, at Albany Medical Center surrounded by those who will always love, remember and be inspired by her. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bill Custer, who was an amazing and tireless caregiver for her in recent years. Their love and unwavering commitment to each other will forever serve as an example to family and friends of what a marriage can and should be.
Grace was born in 1932 to Rocco and Teresa Prestera LaRosa of Pittsfield. She graduated from P.H.S. in 1950 with Pro Merito honors as she was often eager to point out. She married the love of her life on August 7, 1954 and together they raised a loving family. She retired in 1991, most recently serving as Assistant Treasurer for the City of Pittsfield.
Grace was a woman who possessed many talents. Singing was not one of them. In fact, she would take great joy in torturing family and friends with an enthusiastic but horribly misguided rendition of Broadway's "I Could Have Danced All Night". Of that presentation, no one "begged for more." She was an incredible self-taught cook who never followed a recipe. Her meatballs, cheesecake and smiley-face pancakes were among the dozens of delicacies she created. She was a great dancer, with the "Jitterbug" a specialty. She loved to read, was a crossword puzzle whiz and learned to love the Red Sox. She was a positive person who was always smiling. She loved to laugh. She never complained. She was tough as nails.
Grace loved children and they loved her. After retirement she was a kindergarten volunteer at Sacred Heart Elementary and later helped lovingly nurture the children at her daughter's family child care center. To all, she was known as "Grandma Grace".
She is survived by her son Chuck Custer and his wife Linda of Latham, N.Y., her son Bill Custer of Terryville, CT and her daughter Teresa Custer-Campbell and her husband Tony of Pittsfield. She is also survived by seven grandchildren who despite Grandma's best efforts, are not spoiled rotten. They are Cory, Scott, Michaela, Collin, Quinlan, Karinna and Jillian. Other survivors include her beloved sister, Mary Berti of Sudbury, MA, brother-in-law Chuck Custer and his wife Barbara from Michigan and a dozen cherished nephews and nieces, their spouses and children.

FUNERAL NOTICE Calling hours for Grace M. Custer who died June 21, 2016 will be SUNDAY from 4 to 7PM at the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Grace's memory may be made to the Berkshire County Chapter of the Jimmy Fund or St. Jude Children's Hospital in care of the funeral home.

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