Griselda Rosalind Dias Obituary
A Tribute to a Passionate Educator, loving sister, Devoted Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother who will be missed.
Griselda Rosalind Dias, lovingly known as Gris or Babs, passed away peacefully at her home in Medford, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Joseph Eusebio Dias, who predeceased her in 1991. She lived remarkable life of 93 years, despite being widowed at age 59, and diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in her 80’s.
Born on February 3, 1932, in Mumbai, India, Griselda was the eldest daughter of the late Leo Miranda and the late Isabella Miranda. As the oldest of five siblings, she demonstrated leadership, maturity, and wisdom from an early age, assuming responsibility for guiding her younger siblings and serving as a steady and compassionate presence throughout her life.
Her career as an educator was a true testament to her passion for teaching and learning. After receiving her M.A. from the University of Bombay, Griselda began her professional journey as a college lecturer at Khalsa College while still in her early twenties. In 1965, she joined the faculty of Sophia College,a place that would become a second home and family to her. Following a nearly 30-year tenure at Sophia College, she ultimately retired as Head of the History Department. A respected and admired educator, she inspired generations of young women not only through her mastery of history, but through her unwavering belief in their potential. Many former students continued to seek her counsel long after graduation, a testament to the enduring impact of her mentorship. She shaped lives, not just minds.
A lifelong learner, Griselda possessed an insatiable intellectual curiosity. Well into her seventies, she continued to travel extensively, immersing herself in the cultures and histories of countries around the world. She shared this curiosity with her children and grandchildren through reading, discussion, and shared exploration, instilling in them a deep appreciation for knowledge and understanding.
If you knew Griselda, you knew she was the steadfast matriarch of her family and a pillar of strength to her siblings, six children, fourteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She lived with integrity, compassion, and resilience, guided by a deep and abiding faith. Though widowed and grieved from the loss of her husband, she remained unwavering in her dedication to her children and family. Through every challenge, she faced life with a courageous heart and an infectious spirit, reminding us that with faith, hope and love all can be accomplished. Her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary sustained her through life’s challenges, and she served her church faithfully as a lector at numerous Masses and prayer services.
Griselda’s guidance, warm-heartedness, and boundless generosity shaped the lives of those fortunate to know her. Following her retirement, Griselda spent increasing time with her family in the United States, eventually making it her home. She maintained close ties to India, regularly visiting family and friends in Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar, and Goa. She cherished travel, meeting people from all walks of life, and nurturing meaningful connections across continents, including with family in New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
Those left to cherish her memory and keep her vibrant spirit alive include her loving children: Celine (Mike), Karen (Kevin), Marlene (Mathew), Cherylyn (Austin), Darryl (Shilpa), and Konrad (Renietta). She was a proud grandmother to Keith (Danielle), Kristen (Joseph), Kerri Ann (Neal), Joseph, Shalini, Anne, Sean, Sharon, Lauren, Evana, Naomi, Aidan, Evan, and Kian, and a devoted great-grandmother to Tiago, Sasha, Cole, Quinn, Drew, Olivia, Liam, and Julian. She is also survived by her siblings: Mavis (late Alwyn), Yvonne (late Kraft), Philomena (Stanley), and Trevor (Jeanne).
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visitation at the Edgar Racicot Funeral Home, 1400 Broadway Road, Dracut, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 115 Wheeler Road, Dracut, Massachusetts.
Though words cannot capture the fullness of her life or the depth of our loss, we celebrate Griselda’s memory and the love and guidance she so freely shared. Her legacy will live on in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the lives she touched. Thank you, God, for the gift of your wonderful child we loving called, Gris, Babs, Mum!
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38501. Online condolences may be shared at www.racicotfuneralhome.com