Grace Cerezo, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 22, 2016, at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn surrounded by her loving family. It was by her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters which carried her through 17 months illness.

Grace was born on June 3, 1928 in New York, New York. She was the daughter of the late Arturo and Lydia (Ocasio) Vasquez. Grace was a long time resident of the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. She worked for South Brooklyn Health Center on Richards Street for many years prior to moving to Albany, New York to care for her grandchild.

During her years in Albany, she continued her employment with the New York HEAP program, Albany Medical Center, and for the Palace Theater. In 2006, she relocated to Altamont, New York, where she cared for her loving partner Nicolas Roldan-Cruz until his passing later that year. In her time there she enjoyed traveling, attending senior events, spending time with her family and friends.

Grace was preceded by her husband of 19 years, Enrique Cerezo, and her brother Arturo Candales. Grace is survived by her five children, Enrique (Ida) Cerezo, Steven (Octavia) Cerezo, Luis (Elba) Cerezo, Nancy (Octavio) Santiago, Olga Cerezo; her siblings: Irma Simo, Millie Medina, and Edward Irizarry; as well as eleven grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30th at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.). Calling hours will precede the service from 2 to 4 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Grace Cerezo.