Grace L. (Grazulis) Jakubosky

WORCESTER - Grace L. (Grazulis) Jakubosky, 95, died peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2014, at Homestead Hall, Worcester, with her cherished family by her side. Grace was born and raised in Worcester, a daughter of the late Victor and Mary M. (Sampson) Grazulis. Her husband of almost 65 years, Antoni J. Jakubosky, died last year.



She graduated from Commerce High School where she was a member of the Sigma Theta Chi Sorority which sponsored many musical variety shows and dances at Mechanics Hall. Following several years of work after high school and with the country in the throes of World War II, Grace, unbeknownst to her mother, enlisted in the US Navy WAVES. She was stationed in Ames, Iowa and Cape May, NJ. She often said that many of the best times of her life were while in the service. Following her return to Worcester, Grace met Antoni Jakubosky at a dance in Worcester in 1947. Following a courtship over several months, they were married on July 5, 1948. While Antoni worked, Grace spent her early married years working in the home and raising their four children. Once all the children were in school, Grace worked as a medical secretary for Dr. Augusta Kressler for 20 years. Grace possessed a lifelong passion for learning and earned a certificate in Gerontology and Urban Studies from Worcester State University while in her 70’s. She returned to the classroom in her mid 80’s and continued her studies in the WISE program at Assumption College.



A faith-filled woman, Grace was a founding and dedicated member of Saint George Parish where she enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of its Women's Guild, worked at the annual Bayberry Fair, sang in the choir and participated in many of their variety shows over the years. She truly enjoyed a good time and a good argument, especially if it involved politics. She was never afraid to express that opinion loudly.



Grace enjoyed listening to talk radio, especially during the late-night hours, watching C-Span, book reviews or medical shows. Grace and her beloved, Antoni, were never ones to just sit idly. They truly enjoyed traveling, whether it was wintering in Cocoa Beach, Florida where they were cast as extras in the film “Contact” or visiting far off and exotic places in Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Mexico, Brazil, Egypt and Israel. She was the family historian, photojournalist and photo archivist. They loved to dance, especially country line and square dancing and performed with groups throughout the state. Grace was accomplished with everything she tried without ever learning to drive! Never ones to miss a local ethnic festival, parade or fireworks display, Grace also found peace in just sitting on the beach watching the ocean. She was extremely proud of her Lithuania heritage encouraging her children to learn and explore their family roots.



Grace will forever be missed by her four children, Christina L. Quist and her husband, Ronald of West Dennis, Philip J. Jakubosky of West Boylston, Andrew V. Jakubosky and his wife, Wendy Jo of Leominster and Gerald G. Jakubosky and his wife, Brenda Barnes of Brookfield; her brother, Arthur Grazulis of Strongsville, OH; four grandchildren, Corina Quist of New York City, NY, Amanda Wilson of Worcester, Kathleen Miller and her husband, Derek of Phippsburg, Maine and David Jakubosky of San Diego, CA; a great-granddaughter, Evelyn Wilson; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her two sisters, Lillian Gully and Alice Brady and by her two brothers, John and Albert Grazulis.



The family wishes to thank her friends and staff at the Goddard House in Worcester for three happy years and to the compassionate staff at Homestead Hall for making her final months comfortable. Special thanks to the staff of MetroWest Hospice for their support especially her nurse, Sarah. Also, to Nane her personal care attendant, who kept her in makeup and lipstick until the day before she passed.



She will be dearly missed by her family but know that she and Toni are "dancing up a storm" on the other side.



Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Grace’s family on Wednesday, November 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, followed by a procession to St. George Church, 38 Brattle Street, Worcester where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.



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