We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Grace and want to express our sincere sympathies to the Ciemny family. Grace, a rock of compassion and strength, spent nearly 30 years serving the Our Lady of Perpetual Help community, and her legacy will live on in the memories of everyone lucky enough to meet her. What an incredible person Grace was in her commitment to the OLPH kids.
She was our children’s primary caregiver for three decades, molding their formative years with her wisdom, kindness, and infinite patience. The innumerable lives she touched and the number of students who started their educational journey under her guidance attest to her dedication to developing young minds, and her legacy lives on in the many students who came after her.
Grace was the pioneer and creator of our school’s time daycare, which provided a refuge for working parents and a secure and supportive setting for children
Her impact went well beyond the classroom as she gave her all to creating a welcoming environment where students felt supported and valued. Grace was just as Dr. Mills said: “kind, quite funny, hardworking, and a true straight shooter.” Colleagues, parents, and, most significantly, the innumerable children whose lives she touched were all impressed by her authenticity and her unfaltering commitment to her job. When Grace goes away, there’s a hole that no amount of words can fix.
Everyone fortunate enough to know her will miss her comedy, kindness, and warmth. Her impact on the lives of those she touched is significant, and her legacy is one of love and dedication. Members of Grace’s family and friends as well as those from her workplace came together yesterday, December 17th, for a memorial service to honor her life and remember her fondly.
Instead of flowers, the Ciemny family would really appreciate it if you could remember Grace by donating to two organizations that meant a lot to her: the Maryville Alumni Association and Sister Paulanne’s Needy Family Fund.
Let us rejoice in Grace’s incredible life and the good impact she had on countless others even as we grieve her passing. Whoever had the honor of knowing her may find solace and strength in her memories.
