Veronica (McPartland) Grande

Veronica (McPartland) Grande

Veronica Marie Grande (nee McPartland) passed peacefully into eternal life on November 1, 2023, at the age of 85, in Ponte Vedra, Florida.  Veronica (Ronnie) was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

Ronnie was born July 26th, 1938, the second of five children to Edward and Veronica McPartland, in St. Albans, Queens, NY.  After graduating Andrew Jackson High School, Cambria Heights, 1956, Ronnie pursued her degree in nursing at the Brooklyn Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1959.  She then worked at Creedmoor Psychiatric Hospital for two years.  Using her training later in her married life Ronnie served as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the Dix Hills Fire Department - Station 2 for several years, and then as a nurse at Carillon Nursing and Rehab Center.

Louis J. Grande and Ronnie married in 1960, and were devoted to each other, and their nine children, for almost 46 years, when Lou passed in 2006.  Ronnie’s life revolved around caring for her family, friends, and anyone in need. Her Catholic faith was of utmost importance in her life, most notably in her ministry at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, Dix Hills, and SS Cyril and Methodius, Roman Catholic Parish, Deer Park.  Ronnie was involved in Pre-Cana (with Lou), the Lay Franciscans, the Legion of Mary, as well as other organizations within the Church.  She also sang in the choir, fed and clothed homeless in Manhattan, served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and as a bereavement minister.  

Ronnie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Lou, son, Thomas, parents, brother Edward, sisters-in-law Rita McPartland, Carolyn Grande, Mary White, and brothers-in-law Anthony Grande, and Kevin Rynn.

She is survived by her children Stephen (Nancy), William (Michelle), Thomas’ wife, Lori, Luanne Alese (Vincent) Mary O’Dea (John), Lawrence (Janine), Anthony (Krisnoel), John (Gina), and Christopher (Kristina), as well as a former foster son, William Mannion, affectionately known as Little Billy.  Her grandchildren left to cherish her memory are Jack, Natalie, Noah, Samantha Lowney Kern, Madison, Nicole, Thomas, Vincent Alese, Christopher Alese, Daniel O’Dea, Clare O’Dea, Conor O’Dea, Brian O’Dea, Bridget O’Dea, Anthony, Nicholas, Kaileigh, John Paul, Louis, and Stella.  Her dear siblings Barbara Rynn, Kevin McPartland (Roseanne), and Anne Conrad (Frank) hold her in their hearts, in addition to countless cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family was paramount to Ronnie.  She found immense fulfillment in being a grandmother to 20 children.  Her love for them knew no bounds as she embraced each grandchild with open arms.  The memories they created together will forever serve as a reminder of the love and warmth she provided.  

An event to commemorate Veronica Grande will take place at Mangano Funeral Home, 1701 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, Tuesday, November 7.  Two visitation services will be held, 2:00pm-4:30pm and 7:00pm-9:30pm.  These gatherings will serve as an opportunity for family and friends to come together, share memories, and support one another during this difficult time. 

A Funeral Mass for Veronica will be celebrated, Wednesday, November 8, 10:45am, at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, 35 N Service Rd., Dix Hills.  Interment will follow the Mass at St. Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Ave., East Farmingdale, NY.