Obituary of Grace M Pastorok

Grace Marie Pastorok, age 76, beloved wife of George Pastorok, Jr. and longtime resident of Trumbull, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 6, 1939 in Bridgeport, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Lena Delucia. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”. Grace was a graduate of Central High School class of 1957. Early in her career Grace was a music teacher in Bridgeport CT. Many of her students went on to spend their lives making music. She was an active member in the Trumbull school’s PTA and a volunteer always willing to help out. She was Vice President of the Trumbull Italian Community Club Women's Auxiliary, and served in many roles over her years of service. She was a founding member of The Traumatic Brain Injury Association of Fairfield County bringing hope and insight to the many families who have had a loved one afflicted with TBI. Grace enjoyed bowling with friends for the Christ the King Church League, she loved the beach, traveling to the family's vacation home in Puerto Rico, and shopping with her grandchildren. She was most at home cooking for her family and friends, she hosted all the family holiday meals and made sure all left with plenty of leftovers. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her husband George, travelling, trying to play golf, and just enjoying their time together. They were inseparable. Grace's presence has touched you all-- when we all remember her --we will remember her beauty, her kindness, her heartfelt compassion, ---her spoken words that would soothe and heal us. This family, and her role as mother and grandmother, was the most important thing to my Mom. This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy. Being with her family was what Grace enjoyed most of all. Her life had many obstacles, yet through it all, her love and caring for her family remained her focus, and in so many, many ways, she was able to show that love to us. This perseverance through adversity is a powerful lesson for us, and it will be her legacy. What wonderful lessons she gave us: Keep your priorities straight. Keep that which is most important in focus. Love and care for your family. Let them know in all the ways you can show them that you love them. A few months ago I asked her about my dad- she said to me “Life forces us all into positions of compromise and presents challenges to our honesty and our integrity---- your father met those challenges one after the other throughout our life together with courage -toughness-- and a sense of right and wrong which was awe inspiring to me. I know what it looks and feels like to walk through life with someone by your side -at times I struggled with difficulties with my faith and what it means to have an authentic relationship with God. But through it all-- I have been so lucky to know what it means to have a true friend.” The ways she touched our lives will remain, and I ask you to keep those memories alive through acts of kindness, sharing and love of one another. I hope you are where your faith has always guided you and your arrival has brought you all the happiness you deserve- Grace was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who will be truly missed by all who knew her. In addition to her beloved husband George of 55 years, she is survived by her three cherished sons, George Pastorok, III of Southbury, Garry Pastorok of Stamford, and Gregory Pastorok of Milford; her 8 adored grandchildren, Sophia, Taylor, Peter, Annabella, George the IV'th, Mia, Jude, and John; and her loving sister June Matyjasik of Shelton. She was predeceased by her brothers, Tony and Robert DeLucia, a brother-in-law Chester Matyjasik, and a nephew John Paul Matyjasik. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. directly in Christ the King Church, 4700 Madison Avenue, Trumbull, CT 06611. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday, September 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. We would like to thank The Caring Hospice of Stamford a special thanks to all especially Kim, Sandy, Missy, and the entire staff. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to ….Swim Across The Sound, St.Vincent's Medical Center Foundation, 2800 Main St Bridgeport CT 06606.