Nancy G. ‘Tina’ Ferrara, 98
Nancy G. (Ascuiti) Ferrara, affectionately known as Tina and Nonna, passed away at her home in Acton on June 24, 2026, at age 98.
Tina was born in Naples, Italy, on February 14, 1928. She came to the United States during World War II as a war bride on the USS Grand Canyon. Her early years in the U.S. were spent in Columbus, Ohio, where she worked in a saw factory.
She later moved to Massachusetts, residing in Sudbury and Acton. She settled in Acton nearly 70 years ago, and focused much of her adult life on taking care of her family. She always gave of herself without hesitation. Always proud of her Italian heritage, she was a longtime member of the Dante Alighieri Society.
For Tina, food was never just food — it was love served on a plate. Her kitchen was the heart of her home. She found her greatest joy in cooking for others and passing down the traditions she cherished. Notably, her famous and legendary meatball recipe was a favorite.
She lived with a fierce spirit of a true matriarch — strong willed, independent, endlessly generous, and never afraid to speak her mind.
Tina will be lovingly remembered by her son Terry Grant and his wife Darlene of York, Maine; her grandchildren, Kaitlyn and husband Patrick, Molly and her partner Colin, Keith and wife Justine, Melissa and husband Dan, Nicholas, Heather, Casey, Corey and Shelby; her great-grandchildren, Finn (whom she referred to as her “Sweet Pea”), Charlie, Ryan, Emma, and Cameron; along with her sister Gina Conforti and husband Antonio; her niece and nephew Fabiola and Pasquale; and daughter-in law Rhonda Grant Jewart. She was predeceased by her husbands, Donald F. Grant and Taddeo Ferrara; her companion Marshall Sirvetz; her sons Don and Gary Grant; and her siblings Giovani, Alexandro, Anna, Carmine, Gergio, and Renata.
Family and friends will celebrate Tina’s life during a period of visitation in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Acton Center, on Tuesday, June 30, beginning at 9 a.m. Her funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be held at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. For Tina’s online tribute page, visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
