Gisele Grasset-Fitzgerald

Gisele Grasset-Fitzgerald, age 86, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born on February 10, 1939, in Villers le Sec, France, Gisele carried with her a rich heritage and a vibrant spirit that touched many lives.

As a young woman, Gisele immigrated to the United States, where she taught herself English by watching soap operas and commercials—an early sign of her determination and resilience. Though she made a new life far from her birthplace, she remained deeply connected to her roots, often sharing vivid stories of her childhood in France and treasured memories of her family.

Gisele was the devoted mother of five daughters: Rosine Cantu and husband Martin, Nadine Hall, Loreine Webber and husband Drew, Melissa Wrona and husband Josh, and Natalie Buck and husband Sean. She found immense joy in her role as grandmother to Catarino Cantu; Tara Cyranoski; Tyler Hall; Tomaira Chatman; Javin Fitzgerald, Jordan and Dylan Russell, and Paige and Emilee Wrona. Her great-grandchildren—Alex and Cam Cantu, Daija, Cameron and Gabby Cyranoski—brought additional light to her later years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcel and Aimee Grasset; siblings Odette, Gilbert, Andre, Daniel, and Raymond Grasset. Niece Evelyn, granddaughter Nina Russell, and grandson Cameron Cyranoski.

Gisele expressed her love through thoughtful gestures—surprise packages filled with newspaper clippings or dish towels, heartfelt phone calls filled with advice, and laughter. Her French accent, playful humor, hugs, and radiant smile made every interaction memorable.

She cherished simple pleasures: seeing the family photos, hearing about family adventures, seeing grandkids art, drives in the country to see the fields and trees, birdwatching, gardening, thrifting, buffet meals, and sipping hot decaf coffee with one sugar. Her favorite tea with the bear 😁sleepy time chamomile tea was always a favorite of hers at night time. In past years, returning to France to be with family, to see her hometown, and to hear the beloved accordion music was a gift she always treasured. She loved all her family so much and wished to spend more time with everyone all the time. I am sure she is looking down on us and saying, "Love you". 

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.