Grace Loretta Furtado

Grace Loretta (Brownell) Furtado passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on June 18, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born on January 4, 1933, in Newport, Rhode Island, Grace's story began on Aquidneck Island. A proud native Newporter, she grew up on The Point and graduated from Rogers High School in 1950. During that time, she met her first husband, Charles Gemmell, through a lifelong friend. They married and moved to Massachusetts, where they raised their four children while supporting his career.

Life later brought Grace back to Newport, where she reconnected with Anthony Furtado. The two had known each other since childhood, having grown up on The Point, and were brought together again through her sister, Lorraine, who was married to Anthony's brother. Grace and Anthony shared a love story unlike any other. They were married on December 23, 1969, and together blended their families-Grace with four children and Anthony with ten-creating a family of sixteen built on love, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Grace became the matriarch at helm.

Beginning their life together on Cranston Avenue and later building a home on Friends Drive, Grace embraced the joys and challenges of raising a large family in Newport. Family life was filled with outings, sailing adventures, home-cooked meals, card games, trips to Vermont, sewing projects, and, later in life, spirited games of Bunco.

Grace was an exceptionally talented seamstress. Her years working at Newport Fabrics and Sun Ray allowed her to refine her craft and share her creativity with countless others. During Newport's Bicentennial celebrations in 1976, she enthusiastically created numerous costumes for her family, the Newport Armory, and friends throughout the community. Over the years, she lovingly sewed everything from wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses to pajamas and curtains.

But Grace cultivated more than fabric-she cultivated gardens, too. Gardening was where she found peace and a well-deserved respite from the busyness of everyday life. Her handiwork and talents live on through treasured memories, family photographs, and the many skills and traditions she passed down to her children and grandchildren.

For decades, Grace was a pillar of her community. She was quick-witted, full of life, and a mother and friend to everyone she met. She raised generations with care, patience, and unconditional love. Grace always seemed to have more love to give.

Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched. In honoring her memory, continue to love one another, because your mother, grandmother, and friend taught you exactly how to do so.

Grace was the daughter of the late Stanton and Loretta Brownell and the sister of the late Stanton Brownell Jr. and Lorraine (Brownell) Furtado.

She is survived by her children, Charles Gemmell (Marilyn), Kim Furtado (Beverly), Michael Gemmell (Lisa), Thomas Furtado (Karen), Cindy Furtado, Dottie Dewulf, Elizabeth Furtado, Selene Gemmell, Lynne Furtado, and Suzanne Furtado (Mark); her daughter-in-law, Mary Gemmell; 27 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Anthony Furtado; her children, Kristie Widmann, Delene Furtado, Peter Gemmell, and Anthony Furtado.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the staff and residents of the John Clarke Center, which had been Grace's home since 2014. Your kindness, compassion, and unwavering support over the years were deeply appreciated.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Jennifer Fields, CNA. Your love, care, friendship, and laughter shared with Grace were treasured by both her and her family. Thank you for being such a meaningful part of her life.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 21, from 3:00-6:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026 at at 10:00am in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway, Newport, followed by a graveside prayer service at Newport Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Grace's memory to the John Clarke Activity Center, whose staff, residents, and community became an important part of her life and brought her great happiness over the years.