Our dearest mother, Carla Grasso, passed away on September 8th, 2023, at the age of 67. Carla was raised by a loving family by both Jack and Janet Grasso in Scranton, PA. She grew up with two loving brothers, Anthony and Frankie. She would spend most of her time having fun with friends and teaching others to dance. When she was 18, she moved from Scranton to Philadelphia to start a new life and begin nursing school. Throughout her early years as a nurse she made numerous friendships that would last a lifetime. In 1989 she settled down with her husband, Robert Horsey and had their first born child, Joshua. Then eventually in 1994, they would have their second son Evan. Throughout their lives together, the family would enjoy trips together and spent much time enjoying the time they spent with each other. Carla enjoyed going on adventures and would be the first person to plan a trip. She enjoyed Broadway shows, fine dining, but most of all sharing her love and experiences with others. Carla earned her Associate’s degree in Nursing in 1977 at Medical College of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She later expanded her knowledge by completing her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing through Immaculata University in 2012, while working full time and raising her children. In 2016, she completed her educational journey by earning a Master’s degree in Nursing through LaSalle University, specializing in nursing leadership. She started her professional career at Medical College of Pennsylvania; and transitioned to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) in 1983. During her tenure, she held several positions in the emergency department including staff nurse, assistant nurse manager, nurse manager and most recently clinical resource coordinator. She was instrumental and championed numerous policy and quality improvement projects. Carla presented at conferences, emergency nursing research days, was a published author and achieved the highest level of nursing excellence awarded by HUP. Entwined in the fabric of the HUP community for so many years most referred to her as mamma Carla. She embraced the role of mentor, colleague and leader in the nursing community. Carla befriended and was instrumental in the development of novice nurses, taking a pivotal role in their education and success. She fostered a working relationship between nursing and new interns. Her most precious gift was the care she brought to her patients, especially the littlest newborns beginning life in a frenzied emergency department. She embodied the best attributes of a nurse: caring, compassion and selflessness. Carla was in many facets a mother. Not only to her own children, but to the many people that she helped mentor throughout the years. She was always there for the people that needed her the most, and asked for nothing in return. She has shared many memories and love with her friends and family. She is survived by her two sons, Josh and Evan. All are invited to attend Carla’s viewing on Monday evening, September 18th at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19135 (between Unruh & Knorr Sts.) from 5:30pm-7:00pm. There will be another viewing the next morning, Tuesday September 19th at Maternity B.V.M (9220 Old Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19115) from 8:30am-10:00am. A funeral mass for Carla will begin at 10:00am in the church. Please consider making donations in Carla’s memory to George Washington Wrestling Fund
