Obituary of Grace J. Jerome

Grace J. Jerome, 92, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, May 27, 2012. Born January 4, 1920 in New York City, Grace was the daughter of Albert and Jeannette (Lowrey) Schumacher. She had been a resident of Greenwich for the past 30 years. She was predeceased by her husband David J. Jerome. Survivors include their children, Kathleen Cunningham of Schuylerville; David (Donna) Jerome of North Augusta, SC; Micky Jerome (David Bailey) of Rock Island, IL; and Kevin Jerome (Debbie Clark) of Puyallup, WA; as well as 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Her given name, Grace, befit her well. She was a devout parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich. She was well versed in current events and enjoyed tea and conversation with friends and family. Despite her preference for quiet pastimes such as reading and puzzles, she loved the exuberant energy of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and reserved some of her biggest smiles for them. The latest photographs of out-of-town grandchildren were always displayed with obvious care and pride. Grace was a devoted wife and mother, raising four children on her own for long stretches of time, while her husband was out of town on long-term work commitments. In later years, her house in Greenwich became a homestead for extended family. Through Thanksgivings for eighteen or summer cook-outs and golf tournaments, she provided home-cooked meals and a welcoming atmosphere. Her family will always remember the feeling of comfort and belonging that came from long afternoons sipping iced tea on the porch, overlooking her beautiful gardens. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10am Friday, June 1, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich with Rev. Martin Fisher, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity, 780 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna, NY.