Newport - Grace Patricia Bodenstedt, née Mangiaracina, 96, went to meet her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at home with members of her family by her side. She was born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1929, in Brooklyn, NY. Daughter of the late Charles and Constance Mangiaracina, and stepfather, Benedito Santos.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Grace's first job was with the Maritime Commission and her second job was Cunard Steamship, both in New York City. She later moved to Long Island, NY. where she retired as a data entry employee with the Department of Social Services. Grace married the love of her life, Jack Henry Bodenstedt, in 1951 and they had 53 wonderful years together. In 1989, when Grace and Jack retired, they moved to Newport, NC. Grace loved to spend time with her family and friends, and many followed her move to North Carolina.

Grace spent several years as a volunteer at Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City. She loved serving her community. Her best friend and neighbor, Ginny Wagner, who lived across the street from her in Gull Harbor introduced her to the volunteer opportunity.

She was an avid animal lover and thoroughly enjoyed spending time on their boat "The GraceSea," as well as riding motorcycles with Jack. Her home and greenhouse were filled with beautiful plants and exotic trees, and she also took great pleasure in gardening outside.

Although Grace never had any children of her own, she doted on her many nieces and nephews, even being Godmother to her oldest nephew, Kenn Knapp of Emerald Isle.

After her sister Marie passed away in 2019, Kenn became like a son to her and she spent a tremendous amount of time with him. He was with her leading up to her passing and with her to the very end, along with her nephew, Nate Forant.

Grace had fiery red hair and so did Kenn, in his earlier years, leading many to think he was actually her son. Her quiet and happy personality was loved by everyone that met her, and everyone called her "Aunt Grace."

Grace loved to take walks in the neighborhood to stay healthy, right up until December 2024. After a fall, she started walking in her home to keep up her energy and good health. She was truly blessed with the ability to live alone right up until two weeks before her passing. She credited her Lord and Savior with all of her blessings, and she always gave God the credit for her long and abundant life.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The family would love to thank John and Janice Adkinson, her neighbors, for the many acts of love and especially the food that they lovingly made for her over their 10 years of their friendship.

She is survived by her sister, Ann Buzzo of Davie, FL.; stepsister, Julia Brown (Doug) of Davie, FL. and stepbrother Anthony Santos (Terry), Blue Ridge, GA.; nephews, Kenn Knapp (Gail) of Emerald Isle, NC. Chuck Knapp (Shelly) of Marietta, GA., and Chris Buzzo of Davie, FL.; niece, Trish O'Neill Forant (Nate) of Cedar Point, NC.; great nieces and nephews: Tyler and Taylor Forant, Michael Horwitz, Taylor Zagars, Chase Knapp, Kenneth Knapp, II., Alexander Knapp, Heather McDaniel, Shane Harris, and Jennifer Moody, and many great-great nieces and nephews.

Grace attended Open Door Baptist Church in Morehead City until she gave up driving, and then periodically attended White Oak Church of God with Kenn and Gail Knapp. In lieu of flowers, those choosing to remember Grace, are encouraged to give a memorial  donation to the White Oak Church of God, 5054 Hwy 24, Bogue, NC. 28570 labeled "Memorial for Grace Bodenstedt."

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Henry Bodenstedt; brother, George Mangiaracina; and sisters, Veronica O'Neill and Marie Knapp.