Grace Marie Kearns, successful entrepreneur
Grace Marie Kearns (Baldessaro), 79, of Millsboro, formerly of Wilmington and Altoona, Pa., passed away Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Grace was born May 13, 1943, to the late Joseph and Catherine Baldessaro, in Altoona, Pa. After graduation from Altoona High School, she attended beauty school which allowed her to open her own salon, in addition to other businesses throughout her life. Grace enjoyed being an entrepreneur. In the local area, many would recognize Grace and her family, and their two local businesses, Millsboro Coin Laundry and Millsboro Daycare.
In addition to her parents, Grace is preceded by her brother Anthony Baldessaro; and her sister Carmella DiGiammo. She is also preceded in death by Jack Russell, to whom she was married for over 15 years. Together they had two children: Jack Russell Jr. and Alisa Hassler (Russell). Years later, she married John Kearns, expanding the family to include Edie Haughey, J. Casey Kearns and Randy Kearns.
Although she never truly retired, as she enjoyed being busy, Grace enjoyed traveling, the casino and family time. The family spent countless hours enjoying each other’s company at family dinners and local restaurants. Out of all that she enjoyed, the times she spent with her grandchildren were the ones she cherished most. She was able to spend countless hours with them as they were growing up, as owner of Millsboro Daycare, where her grandchildren attended.
Grace is survived by her husband, John Kearns; her daughter, Alisa Hassler and husband Rob; her son: Jack Russell and wife Marybeth; her four stepchildren: Jaclyn Ewing and husband Josh, Edie Haughey, Casey Kearns and his wife Mary, and Randy and his wife Maryann; bonus daughter, Ania Castagna and husband EJ; and 12 grandchildren: Jack, Joey, Robert (Taylor), Catherine, John “Little Casey,” Hunter, Matthew (Hanna), Andrew (Molly), Dylan, Daniel, Caroline and Sierra. Also surviving are three great-grandchildren: Ellie Hassler, Lennox and Henry Haughey.
The family would like to thank all of their family and friends for your love and support. The family also extends deep appreciation to the staff of Harrison House in Georgetown for taking such great care of Grace throughout the years.
A viewing and visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. with Rev. Dr. James Van Der Wall officiating. Grace will be transported to Altoona, Pa., and be in the care of Santella Funeral Home for a graveside service and committal Monday, Dec. 19, at Calvary Cemetery, 2417 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona.
Flowers are welcomed, or in lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in honor of Grace to the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Room 250, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
We will forever be Grace’s Gang.
Electronic condolences to watsonfh.com.
