"Hello I just happened to read Kate's obituary and felt compelled to write. she was too young.(I also see that she is a guitar :guitar:player...me too!)It is my hope that some thoughts from the Bible will bring you some. Hope, comfort and peace. It was never God's intention that we should grow old and die. When He put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he also out before them the prospect of living forever happy and in good health. (Genesis 1:28) Our creator has not given up on that original plan..perfect live on paradise earth...even though Satan, Adam and Eve messed up (Isaiah 55:10-11)The Bible tells us that it is Satan who is responsible for death, and not God as some would tell us. (Hebrews 2:14)Our creator Jehovah God sent his Son Jesus Christ to ransom us from death and to destroy the works of the Devil (1 John 3:8)Jesus said: "I am the resurrection and the life. He that excercises faith in me will live thought he dies." (John 11:25) With Jesus Christ enthroned as King of God's Kingdom, resurrection of the dead - including Kate - and a restoration of paradise on earth is assured.It is My hope that until that time comes, you will find hope, comfort and peace in these promises from God.R/MartinSkipperGrumby@aol.com"
In loving memory of
Catherine "Kate" Grana
June 29, 1949 - May 30, 2016
Catherine (Kate) Agnes Grana, 66, of Bristol died peacefully at home on Monday, May 30, 2016 after a brief illness. Born on June 29, 1949 in Meriden, CT, she was the daughter of the late Spero and Marion (Wood) Grana. She was the wife of Susan Cotta.Kate received her B.S.in Music Education from Western Connecticut University and a Masters in Music Education from URI. She studied voice at New England Conservatory, the Manhattan School of Music, American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria and in Rome, Italy. Kate had participated in master classes under Sherrill Milnes in Austria, and Luciano Pavarotti in Pesaro, Italy and has performed in Italy, Germany, Austria, France, and throughout the New England states. Kate had been an artist in residence at Quissisana Resort in Maine. She also appeared with the Providence Opera, the Boston Lyric Opera, Southern Massachusetts University Opera Theater and the Minnesota Opera Theater Workshop. Kate was a passionate, dedicated and beloved music teacher, choral director and vocal coach for over 31 years in Portsmouth, RI. Initially she began teaching at the middle school and then at the high school. She directed countless musicals and concerts. Kate had a passion for inspiring and motivating students from all backgrounds. She loved what she did and the kids knew it. Kate also directed several plays for the Portsmouth Community Theatre. She was a board member of the Bristol Community Concert Series.Always passionate about music of all kinds, after retirement she re-invented herself as a singer/songwriter and guitar playing soloist, performing many original songs at open mic sessions and she released a CD of original children's lullabies.Besides her wife, she is survived by her sisters Beth Soucy of Ellington, CT and Karen (Candy) Grana of Wallingford, CT, her nieces, Dawn Soucy, Amy Blanchard, Aimee Foley, Allegra Foley, Kathryn Eller and nephews Zachary Foley, Joshua Eller and Jack Pendleton.Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 10, 2016, from 3-7pm in Connors Funeral Home, Portsmouth. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at 12pm at St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth. Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers, donations in Kate's memory may be made to Community Concert Series at St. Michael's, 399 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809 or Portsmouth Music Boosters, P.O. Box 21, Portsmouth, RI 02871. Visitation JUN 10. 03:00 PM - 07:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service JUN 11. 12:00 PM St. Barnabas Catholic Church 1697 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US
Tributes
"Ms. Grana touched the lives of countless music students and will live on in their love of music. We will never be able to listen to "O Holy Night" without thinking of her. Rest in peace."
"Yes, indeed Pamela. Thank you"
"Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Catherine "Kate" Grana."
"Kate was generally swimming laps while I was doing various sorts of physical therapy in the shallow end at the Bayside YMCA, so our paths crossed mainly in the showers -- where we both loved to sing. Whenever I asked how she was doing, she'd say, "Peacy keen!" And she'd stop me just before or after one of the Met's Live in HD performances to make sure I knew who was singing, or to critique what had just happened. I was shocked to see her obituary this morning, and deeply sorry that I never acted on the intention of taking voice lessons from her. A beautiful, funny lady."
"Thank you Adrienne"
"Dear family members of Kate, I'm saddened to learn of Kate's passing (in Prov. Journal). I had the pleasure of meeting her a few years back when we shared swimming lanes at the Fall River YMCA. She was a beautiful and uplifting soul and we shared some nice stories, like the ones about her experiences while living in Italy. My son has been living in Italy as well, while he is in a Ph.d program. When he was obtaining his master's degree there, she told me that you know you have a grasp of the Italian language when you start dreaming in Italian. It was a concept I had never thought of. She will be singing with the angels now, and I think she will still be smiling. Sincerely, Emilie Connors"
"Thank you"
"Rose Remembrance was purchased for the family of Catherine "Kate" Grana."
"Dear Sue: Deepest heartfelt sympathies on Kate's passing. Know that I hold you in my heart and prayers during this difficult time. Fondly,Carolyn Guy"
"Thank you Carolyn"
"Dear Sue - please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of such a wonderful and loving person as Kate. Her beautiful music filled the space, whether at Coffee Depot or Sandy Woods, and it was a treat hearing her clear, lark-like voice. Kate's music will forever echo in Heaven as it did here on Earth. I'm wishing you strength and solace in these trying times - Bill Chittick, Bristol, RI"
"Thank you Bill"
"Dear Sue I'm so sorry I never got the opportunity to meet Kate. She sounds like an amazing person. May the Angels surround you in your time of grief and sing gently to your heart and soul. I'm sure Kate is singing with them. Blessings. Anne Buchalski"
"Thank you!"
"Sue,You were the very best caretaker Kate could have ever had in her last weeks and I am certain you eased her pain immensely and gave her comfort knowing you were such a strong advocate for her. How sorry I am that such a positive, engaging and all around wonderful woman is gone at too young an age. My heartfelt wishes are with you.Karen D."
"Thank you karen"
"As Sue so aptly says, "Kate lived life big." She had a big passion for the people she loved, for her music, for inspiring her students, for sharing joy. She was blessed with an amazing voice and quick wit. We talked about her sharing her stories on the PBS Moth Hour - that's how clever she was. There has never been -nor will there ever be- another Kate Grana. She set the bar high for each of us to aim for. Our hearts goes out to Sue, who shared such a precious love with Kate. Sally and Deirdre"
"Thank you deirdre"
"Heaven has a beautiful new angel in Kate. She brought so much life, laughter and music to everyone she touched. My heart aches for you Sue, but I know you will be reunited one day and her love for you will be with you always."
"Thank you Pam, you are a good friend"
"Please know my sorrow for your loss and that you are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Thank you cindy"
"Chuck lit a candle in memory of Catherine "Kate" Grana"
"Thank you chuck"
"To Kate and Sue, Words alone can not express my well wishes for your next journey and Sue's journey now. I remember you and Sue attending my 50 birthday party You lite up the room with your wonderful smile and jolly laugh. So much fun trying to West Coast Swing. I honor your fight against the cancer. The cancer lost for your loving energy with take flight NOW. Have a wonderful Journey. Love Joan Janek"
"Thank you joan"
"My heart was deeply saddened when I heard this news. Kate was my chorus teacher at PMS. She held me after class one day and told me she wanted me to try out for All State Chorus. I made All State that year and every year until I graduated HS. She opened in me, a love of music and singing and gave me a confidence in myself that I carry with me to this day. She helped direct the course my life was meant to take. I have thought of you often "Ms Grana". A huge thank you goes up to you. Sue, I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that God eases your pain and that your wonderful memories carry you thru. Sherry (Perry) Fortin PHS '77"
"Thank you sherry"
"Deanna Evans lit a candle in memory of Catherine "Kate" Grana"
"I hope you see Britta in Heaven. I'll be listening to hear you singing "Flying Free" together#"
"Even I remember this lady from my school days. I was in Chorus in middle school before moving to Okla. I also took guitar lessons. She was a great teacher."
"Rest in Peace Kate"
"Thank you deanna"
"Sandra Hammel lit a candle in memory of Catherine "Kate" Grana"
"Thank you sandra"
""Mr. Bojangles" will always bring fond memories."
"It sure will, thank you"
"William Sant lit a candle in memory of Catherine "Kate" Grana"
"Thank you william"