Gleason, Grace H. 89, lifetime Wellesley resident, died Friday July 12, 2013 after a long illness. Daughter of the late Daniel H. and Helen J. (Lennon) Gleason of Wellesley. Grace is survived by her sister, Mary Jane Johnson of Ashland, sisters-in-law Paula Gleason of Centerville and Carol Gleason of Florida. Also survived by 19 nieces & nephews. 2 nieces and 2 nephews predeceased her. Grace was also blessed with many great and great-great nieces & nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by sister Louise Paquette (Raymond) of Wellesley, brothers Joseph of Wellesley, Edward (Erma) Gleason, James Gleason, and Russell (Maureen) Gleason of Natick, Daniel Gleason of Lexington, and Richard (Elsie) of Framingham. Also brother-in-law Gerard Johnson of Ashland.
Upon graduating from Wellesley High School, Grace served in the United States Navy and then proudly served in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant after more than 20 years of outstanding service. During her military career, she earned multiple recognition and service excellence awards.
After her USAF retirement in 1969, Grace worked for several Boston based companies including Kendall Bauer & Black, and City Services Occidental Petroleum. She was an ardent volunteer for multiple military and service organizations including the American Legion and several local hospital and elder service centers, and was a proud advocate and certified instructor for the SHINE program for many years.
Always first & foremost of importance to Grace was her family, whom she loved and cherished above all else. She was an avid amateur photographer and chronicled countless family events for all to enjoy in the form of home movies and photo albums. Her extensive network of family, friends, colleagues and neighbors have each been touched by her genuine love and innate capacity for generosity, as well as her colorful command of the English language and totally unique sense of humor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256, [email protected].
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt 16), Wellesley, Thursday July 18 at 9 am. Funeral Mass in St. Paul Church, Wellesley, at 10 am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours at the Funeral Home, Wednesday 4-8 pm. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Natick.