Grace E. Smith, age 87, a resident of Brookdale in Glen Ellyn, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. She was born at home on January 1, 1936 in Queens, New York to Harry & Dorothy Young.

Grace was the youngest of three daughters, and grew up spending her summers on Oak Island, where she enjoyed boating and spending time with her sisters and their families. Grace graduated from Andrew Jackson Highschool in 1954 and entered the freshman class of Cornell University that fall. During her sophomore year she met her soon to be husband, a senior, when he offered to tutor her in Physics. Grace and George were pinned in February 1956. They were engaged in June, and married September 2, 1956. In the fall of 1956, they lived in Ithaca while George completed his masters.

After graduation, Grace worked for Ma Bell in Haddonfield, NJ where she was the business office supervisor. In 1962, she and George moved to England. While in England, Grace's love of Dalmatians was nurtured and she enjoyed showing her dear dog, Luffin, across England. Grace also learned to horseback ride and she coordinated several Thanksgiving dinners for Americans who were working in England. True to form, Grace served as a gracious hostess and tour guide to friends and family who came to visit.

In 1965 Grace moved back to New Jersey with her husband and started her family. For the next decade, Grace focused on raising her two children, caring for her mother and other family members. Grace was involved with the United Methodist Women and also an active volunteer in her children's schools.

In 1977, the family moved to the Chicago suburbs. Grace was once again actively involved in her church, serving as President of the Dorcas Circle and of United Methodist Women, working in the church office, and as a volunteer wedding coordinator. Grace was a charter member of the Wheaton Sport Center and she dearly loved her tennis friends, who also became her bridge partners.

In 1989 Grace organized a family trip to Hilton Head Island and the rest is history. Hilton Head is now a 30+ year family tradition and Grace looked forward to her time on the island each year.

George and Grace retired to Glen Ellyn. Grace continued to play tennis and bridge and volunteer at church. In "retirement" Grace embraced her new title of Nana with great enthusiasm. The kids loved her ability to tell stories, play games, give them her undivided attention, and find unique gifts. They appreciated her consistent and unwavering support.

Grace will be remembered for her grace, sense of humor, and dedication to her husband, George.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, George; her children Harry (Michelle Evans) & Kelly (Tim) Brown; her grandchildren Charlie & Jack Smith and Sarah Grace, Caroline & Henry Brown.

She was preceded in death by her two sisters Dorothy (the late Bob) Wolf & Ruth (the late Joe) Strawitch.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 14, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home , 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 12:00 Noon at Gary United Methodist Church , 224 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. Inurnment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Gary Memorial United Methodist Church.

Family and friends may sign a guest book HERE . For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.