Grace Lorraine Quirk, 96, of The Villages, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, while holding her daughter’s hand-just as she held the hearts of those she loved throughout her life.
Grace was born on April 6, 1930, in Boston to Emma (Dolliver) and Paul Fano. She was raised in a lively home alongside her six younger siblings, where family was everything and love was always present. She graduated from South Boston High School, carrying with her the strong spirit and resilience that would define her life.
She began her career at John Hancock Life Insurance Company, where she worked for many years. Grace was proud to retire at just 59, stepping into a beautiful new chapter with her husband, John (“Jack”) Quirk. Together, they built a life in The Villages filled with laughter, friendship, and joy. Whether she was out on the golf course, dancing the night away, setting sail on cruises, playing cards poolside, or soaking in the sunshine at the beach, Grace embraced each day with a light heart and a love for living.
Above all, Grace treasured her family. She had a quiet strength, a warm presence, and a way of making those around her feel cared for and at home. Her life was a testament to love, devotion, and the simple joys that make a life well lived.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emma and Paul Fano; her husband, John (“Jack”) Quirk; her best friend and sister, Antonina (“Toni”) Larkin; her brothers, Paul, Arthur, and Joseph; and her beloved grandson, William (“Billy”) Carter.
Grace leaves behind a family who will carry her love forward always: her daughter, Dawn Borak of The Villages; her sons, William Carter and Robert Carter of Pembroke; and her cherished grandchildren, Meredith Borak of Sacramento, Kristen Carter of Pembroke, and Jon Carter of Boston.
She is also survived by her great-grandchild, Adrianna Borak of Sacramento, and her great-great-granddaughters, Nova Lani and Zari Rose-two bright lights who are part of the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
Grace is further survived by her sisters, Mary (“Mae”) Pricone of The Villages and Susan Walsh of Amesbury; her stepson, Jimmy Quirk and his wife Betsy, along with their children and grandchildren; her nieces, Diane Moran of The Villages and Debra Dunn of Seattle; and many other beloved nieces and nephews across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York and Washington state.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on May 11, 2026, at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services.
“You may have left our hands, but you will never leave our hearts. Your love is stitched into every smile, every laugh, every memory, and every moment we carry forward.”