Jan 7, 2022

Grace E. Wilson, a former resident of Ellsworth, died Wednesday, January 5, 2022. She was a resident of Southmont prior to her death.

Ms. Wilson was born November 7, 1928, to John “Jack” Wilson and Eunice Greenlee Wilson.

She attended the public schools in Bentleyville and graduated from Ellsworth High School Class of 1946 of which she was valedictorian.

She attended Hillsdale College and graduated with the Class of 1950, with honors. She subsequently earned a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a PhD degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In further pursuit of her vocation, she attended Gauladette College in Washington, D.C., which is the only college in the United States for deaf students. Although Ms. Wilson did not have any hearing loss, she felt that immersing herself in such an academic culture with deaf students would further sharpen her skills in her vocation. She then attended The Royal University of Manchester located in Manchester, England, where she received a Diploma in Audiology. While a student at Hillsdale College, Grace was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and was honored by being elected president of the Model United Nations Assembly.

During her career in the education of the deaf, she not only served as an instructor, but also wrote and designed curricula for the Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, Md., the Michigan School for the Deaf in Flint, Mich., the School for the Deaf in Birmingham, Ala., the School for the Deaf in Rome, N.Y., the School for the Deaf in Brattleboro, Vt., and the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh. Throughout her career as an educator of the deaf, she received many honors and recognition from state governments and associations for the deaf.

In her earlier years, she enjoyed the sports of golf and tennis. She was a voracious reader, reading a wide variety of material and greatly enjoyed British mysteries and comedies. She also attended cooking schools and was a fan of Julia Childs’ cooking. She regularly completed the New York Times crossword puzzles and other challenging material. She took an early retirement in order to assist her mother in her final years, and at the same time worked as a part-time assistant librarian at the Bentleyville Public Library.

Surviving are her brother, Arthur Wilson (Beverly) of Amity. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, are her only sister, Margaret Zarak; and brothers, Charles, Herbert, James, John and Lawrence.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no public viewing. Funeral arrangements and interment will be private.