Grace H. Shaia

Grace H. Shaia, 83, of Torrington, CT, passed away peacefully at her son’s home, overlooking Highland Lake, on May 12, 2026. She was surrounded by her family. Born on October 21, 1942, in New Britain, Connecticut, Grace was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Varricione) Herman and the wife of the late Joseph J. Shaia. She graduated from Bristol Central High School where she was a majorette.

Before Grace retired at the age of 77, she had been an expert real estate listing agent for over 20 years until she began working closely with her brother, John S. Herman, at his small firm, E.B.A. Realty throughout her later career.

As a mother and grandmother, hosting the family at her table for holidays and special occasions was one of her greatest joys. Grace loved being a member of The Sullivan Senior Center and enjoyed lunches with friends, cooking classes and, most especially, Friday afternoon meditation class. A lifelong crafter, Grace crocheted many blankets, knitted scarves, hand-stitched countless holiday ornaments, spent endless hours making scrapbooks for her grandchildren and was famous for baking at least fifteen different types of cookies each Christmas.

Grace loved to travel and made many trips to Florida and California, took cruises in the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska, road tripped along the East Coast and even drove across the country during her lifetime.

Grace’s great passion in life was her family. At the center of her life were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom she passionately adored. Other than Christmas, her most joy-filled time of year was summer where, for 54 summers, she could be found on Highland Lake with her family and friends. She never tired of taking in the sunset from the deck on summer nights nor, in recent years, cruising on her pontoon boat, affectionately named ‘Mema’s Front Porch’ in her honor.

Grace’s fathomless love for animals was evidenced by her pride in being a ‘rescue mom’ who was never without at least two dogs and a cat in her home. “My animals always eat before me.” was the mantra in her house.

She is lovingly remembered by her caring son, Paul J. (Laura) Marino, Jr., and her devoted daughter, Mary Ann Marino, both of Winchester, CT, her grandchildren, Paul J. (Hanna) Marino, III, and James D. (Briana) Marino; four great-grandchildren: Paul J. Marino, IV, Estelle Marino, Emma Jean Marino, and Cara Grace Marino, her adoring brother, John S. Herman of Winchester, CT, and her two beloved nieces, Kate M. Herman of NYC and Tess P. (Zach Schweitzer) Herman of Maui, all who shared their lives with her in deep and profound ways, made meaningful by the depth of her love for them.

Services for Grace will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 21 Fern Dr., Torrington, CT. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Grace’s name may be made to The ASPCA of Connecticut, Newington Branch, 701 Russell Rd, Newington, CT 06111, (800) 452-0114.