At 11:40 am on September 29, 2023, Gracie final did it. She went up to meet Bill who left in 1990. It’s been 33 years since Bill died, leaving Gracie here with their two sons, Mark (Lela) and Brandon (Lorraine). What three decades would bring was unimaginable. Not quite ready to move on, Gracie pursued her life by continuing her educated field of medical X-rays, bringing joy to those in need through dog therapy, and floating around the lake with dog-in-tow.
When she graduated from The Medical College of Virginia in 1955, she followed Bill around during Air Force deployments taking them to Holyoke, MA; London, England; Shippingport, PA; and finally to North Stonington, CT. With Bill securely employed at Electric Boat, Gracie took up the task of raising the boys, supporting Christ Church’s Altar Guild, and (her favorite) working the North Stonington’s voting poles. And as if that wasn’t enough, she had dogs as companions. Each dog had a personality of their own and was known for something unique. The most known was Susie for walking into hospitals and institutions like she owned the place. Susie and Gracie loved to bring a smile to those in need of one.
The Lake was a place for resting, relaxing, and entertaining. All three activities involved Gracie’s favorite thing to do; pleasant conversation. Mark and Brandon didn’t do that enough, so they brought Gracie wonderful daughter in-laws to talk with. Each provided a different level of engagement which often revolved around the seven grandchildren; Billy, Sara (Patrick), Justin, Austin, Brian, Sean, and Erin. Each grandchild got one-on-one time with Grandma at the Lake enjoying the water, blueberry picking, and making Grandma’s famous waffles. The grandchildren have made it past the college stage and moved on to finding themselves throughout the USA, but fond memories remain.
The last few years were rough for Gracie, but they allowed her to meet her two great-grandbabies, Robyn and Artemis, daughters of Sara and Pat. Health prevented Gracie’s one-on-one time up to the lake, but just watching their energy was enough for Gracie. During Gracie’s difficult times, many stopped by to help or just converse. Gracie wants to thank those who did; you have no idea how much you were appreciated. Although at times things may have been tense, she really appreciated your kindness. So, to give back, please contribute to Wheeler High School’s Graber Memorial. Make checks payable to: NSPS Scholarship Fund and send to Graber Scholarship, Wheeler High School, 298 Norwich Westerly Rd., North Stonington, CT 06359
Viewing hours will be Thursday October 5th from 5-7 at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic CT. A memorial service will be at 11:00 on Friday October 6th at Christ Church, 7 Elm St., Westerly RI. Interment will follow at Old Plains Cemetery in North Stonington CT.