Rasa S. (Dedinas) Grigaitis
On Sunday, July 26, 2026 the world became a little quieter when Rasa S. (Dedinas) Grigaitis, 84, of Paxton, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Southbridge home of her son, Christopher E. Grigaitis, and his husband Jeffrey Benoit. She is now reunited with her beloved husband of 43 years, Edmund "Eddie" J. Grigaitis, who passed away in 2014.
Born in Lithuania, Rasa was the daughter of the late Jonas and Vaclava Dedinas. She immigrated to the United States with her family in 1951, where she built a life rooted in hard work, love, and family while proudly preserving the Lithuanian traditions that meant so much to her.
Rasa shared a beautiful life with Eddie, building a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She is survived by her beloved children, Linda A. Boswell and her husband, Raymond, of Worcester; William Grigaitis and his wife, Lisa, of Webster; and Christopher E. Grigaitis and his husband, Jeffrey Benoit, of Southbridge. She was predeceased by her parents, Jonas and Vaclava Dedinas, and her brother, Saulius "Tony" Dedinas.
She was the proud and devoted grandmother of Shawna Kutyla and her husband, Jonn; William Grigaitis, Jr.; and Matthew Grigaitis and his partner, Madison Jewell. She was also the loving great-grandmother of Ryan Kutyla, Olivia Kutyla, Sophia Kutyla, and Kayson Grigaitis, each of whom brought her endless pride and joy.
She is also survived by her brother, Rimus Dedinas and his longtime partner, Joanne Reiner, of Pennsylvania; her sister, Audra Dumas and her husband, Arthur "Tootsie" Dumas, of Colorado; and many nieces and nephews.
Rasa was known for her incredible talent in the kitchen, spending many years catering special events and celebrations. She found great joy in bringing people together through food, and no one ever left her table hungry. She was a lifelong member of the Lithuanian Girl Scouts and treasured the many years she and Eddie spent at Lithuanian Scout Camp, where they loved cooking together for campers and spending time with friends. She was also a member of the former St. Casimir Church in Worcester, Maironis Park, and the Lithuanian Charitable Society.
Rasa had a gift for making everyone feel at home. She took great pride in creating beautiful traditional Lithuanian Easter eggs, a tradition she shared with family and friends. She found joy in preparing holiday meals, gathering loved ones around the table, playing bingo, buying scratch tickets, and watching the hummingbirds visit the feeders she faithfully hung each year. Whatever she was doing, she brought warmth, humor, and a spirited personality that will never be forgotten.
Those who knew Rasa knew exactly where they stood with her. She was strong, resilient, and never afraid to speak her mind. She faced life with determination, loved fiercely, and had a sharp wit that could make you laugh just as quickly as it could keep you on your toes. Beneath that tough exterior was a generous heart that loved her family deeply and welcomed others with open arms. To so many, she wasn't just "Rasa"—she was simply Nanny. Family, friends, and even those who had just met her often left feeling cared for, well fed, and welcomed. Her strength, honesty, generosity, and unwavering love are the legacy she leaves behind.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at DIRSA–MORIN Memorial Chapel, 298 Grafton Street, Worcester. Calling hours will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial beside her beloved husband, Edmund "Eddie" J. Grigaitis, at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne will be held privately.