Grace A. Gillette

Grace Ann Gillette, 84, of Edinboro, died Saturday, February 1, 2025 peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving daughter, Beth, and dear friend and caregiver, Betsy Frost. She was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 22, 1940, the daughter of the late Courtney and Thelma Gillette.

Grace graduated from Cochranton High School in 1958 and faithfully attended her reunions to share stories with her classmates as recently as last year. One of her life goals was to be a teacher and at the urging of a another Edinboro icon the late Darla Myers, she returned to school when Beth went to middle school. She achieved her dream and walked across the stage at McComb Field house in 1988 earning her bachelor’s degree in education. “Way to go MOM!” was her daughter’s shout from the bleachers. 

Grace worked as a substitute teacher and thoroughly loved spending time in the classroom. She was also self- employed as a housekeeper and caretaker, sharing love with everyone she met. Some in our Edinboro community will remember Grace running Skelton’s Dairy where she worked from morning until night processing and bottling milk and even milking cows at times. She would proudly tell everyone she had the lowest bacteria count of any dairy in the area. Grace also volunteered at Our Lady of the Lake Church and at the Legion Pool many summers.

She was a friend to everyone, and the world would be a better place with more people like Grace in it. She loved collecting birthdays and if you happened to be stopped by her in the store, she would forever remember your birthday, but likely not your name. Her kind caregiver, Cora Pope always made sure Grace got her Walmart runs in. Grace also enjoyed photography, walking and most of all Coca-Cola. Always eager to show anyone her Coke living room.

Family was key for Grace. She showed true, honest, unconditional love to her grandchildren- Maddie and Ryan, her daughter and her nephew Dave. Dave was also known as “Boy Wonder the Genius” by her. He dedicated many hours to repairs on her old farmhouse thereby keeping her goal of remaining in her home. She also had many “adopted” family members she loved dearly. We will all remember “can we have a group hug” which was her request at the end of any gathering. We also cherish our many games of Yahtzee.

She was a member of the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Her other wonderful caregiver, Shannon Hardman, would always be sure she got to Saturday mass to see her church family. It was here Fr. Dan once told her she wasn’t just Grace but Amazing Grace! We think anyone she met would agree.

She was the preceded in death by two brothers, William Kenneth Gillette in infancy but always named and remembered by Grace and James Gillette; and two sisters, Margaret Stearns and Patricia McCray.

Survivors include her loving daughter, Beth Gillette of Edinboro; two grandchildren, Madison and Ryan McLaughlin; and nephew, David Stearns. Many other nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Becky and all the staff at Legacy Home Care in Edinboro for their wonderful care of Grace over the last five years. 

 Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 128 Sunset Dr., Edinboro, PA at 9:30 a.m.

Burial will be in Edinboro Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Emma’s Footprints, 412 West 8th St., Erie, PA  16502. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.