Carole Andrea (Stevens) Gratton, 83 of Worcester died Saturday July 22,2017 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center after a short illness.
She is survived by two sons, Duncan Gratton of Boston and Jeffrey Gratton of New York City; two grandchildren, Christina Gratton and John Gratton, and her daughter in law Patricia Gratton, all of Boston. Her husband of 51 years, James S. Gratton predeceased her. The family wishes to make note of her many wonderful friends and colleagues, especially John Murray of Auburn.
Born in Worcester, the daughter of Francis Stevens and Lilian J. (Nielsen) Stevens, she was a graduate of North High School and attended Becker Junior College and the Ward Schools. For many years she was a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker In Worcester.
She became a project director and consultant for the Massachusetts Easter Seal Society in 1979 and was a consultant to business and health care organizations regarding compliance with state a federal regulations regarding access for the physically handicapped.
In 1978 she was appointed by Governor Dukakis to be a member of the Architectural Barriers Board of the Department of Public Safety and reappointed in 1982 by Governor King. She was elected Chairman of the Board by its members for 7 consecutive terms and worked closely with the Attorney General’s office with regard to enforcement of laws and regulations accommodating the physically handicapped.
She served as a State Member to the National Conference on Building Codes and Laws; was a Board member of Worcester Children’s Friend Society, member and Past President of the Junior League of Worcester and Chairman of the Junior League Shop and past Chairman of the Memorial Hospital fundraiser (High Fever Frolics). For the past 25 years Carole worked as a residential real estate broker at Coldwell Banker in Worcester.
Carole enjoyed the joys of family and spending time on Cape Cod, first in Brewster with her grandparents and then for many years in West Falmouth. She was an avid skier, tennis player and golfer and long time member of the Worcester Tennis Club and Tatnuck Country Club. Continuing right up until her passing she took great pleasure in her colleagues and service as both a trustee at the Salisbury West condominiums and as well as a real estate broker at Coldwell Banker.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of CALLAHAN, FAY & CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. After cremation burial will be in Rural Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a reception from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday July 27, 2017 at the Clubhouse at Salisbury West , 770 Salisbury Street in Worcester. Memorial contributions are welcomed to Worcester Children’s Friend Society.