Obituary: Grace Marie Harvey, 75, of Groton

GROTON, CT - (From Byles Memorial Home) Grace M. Harvey, 75, of Groton passed away peacefully at home Friday May 22, 2020, after a 16 month battle with lung cancer; with her family at her side.

Grace was born August 17, 1944 in Colver PA to Norbert Kirsch and Caroline Ruth (Lieb) Kirsch. She grew up along with her seven siblings in Nicktown, PA.

She attended St. Nicholas parochial grade school in Nicktown and Northern Cambria High School in Spangler PA. After graduation Grace went to Cleveland Ohio where she worked for Bell Telephone. She next took on the challenging career of a Navy Wife when she married Thomas Harvey on August 17, 1965 in St. Nicholas Church, Nicktown, PA.

Her first challenge came when she had to call a friend to take her to the Submarine Base Hospital, Groton CT, to give birth to her son Michael, because Tom was at sea. After moving to Hazardville, CT. for three years and then to Memphis TN. for 16 months, the family settled in CT.

She was a long time communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Gales Ferry and an active member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Guild and Guild Workshop. Grace was always asked to “make the coffee” for Guild events. She was a long time member of the Church Cleaning Crew and Prayer Shawl Ministry.

She enjoyed her Bridge Group, the Yankees and UCONN Women’s basketball. She loved “the view” from her Thames Edge home in Groton, CT where she lived with Tom for the last 4 1/2 years and enjoyed the Socials with the Thames Edge “family.”

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Thomas, son Michael, of Oakdale CT. and daughter Lisa, of Rye NY. She is also survived by siblings Jane Andrukanis, Camilla (Dave) Gomish, Eileen Buck, Sonny (Cindy Buck) Kirsch, Sue (Paul) Dillon and Christine Kirsch, all of Western Pennsylvania. She is also survived by brother-in-law John Bernard and many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, sister Anne Bernard and brothers-in-law Rich Andrukanis and Dave Buck.

The family would like to thank Dr. Newton, nurses and staff at the Smilow Cancer Center in Waterford, CT. for the care and concern they provided Grace as she fought her cancer.

The family would also like to thank the Nurses and Aids of Hartford HealthCare Hospice who not only provided the care that allowed Grace to remain at home but showed genuine concern for her wellbeing and comfort.

A private graveside service was held at the Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, Ledyard, CT. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.

Byles-Groton Memorial Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Grace’s memory to: Our Lady of Lourdes Guild, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335.