September 13 1927 October 29 2022
Obituary Please share a memory of Grace to include in a keepsake book for family and friends. View Tribute Book Grace O’Connor of Branford died Saturday October 29, 2022 at Branford Hills Health Care Center. She was born in Long Branch, NJ on September 13, 1927, daughter of the late James R. Johnson, Jr. and Grace Deitrick Johnson. She was a graduate of Manasquan High School in 1945 and attended Monmouth Junior College in Long Branch and Rutgers South Jersey in Camden, NJ. She was a resident of Branford from 1958 – 1968. She was a teacher and director of Bethesda Lutheran Nursery School in New Haven and was published regularly in magazines, including “Ingenue” “Teen” and religious publications. She moved to Delmar, NY where she was employed for 22 years as an award-winning reporter and editor for the Albany Times-Union. In 1999 she was among the first seven women installed in the Hall of Honor of the Women’s Press Club of New York State. Since 1997 she belonged to the Society of Silurian’s, a professional organization for members of the media. While a reporter she loved the opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels. A member of the First Baptist Church of Branford from 1958-1968 and renewed membership upon her return to Branford in 1990. She was President of the East Camden (NJ) Junior Women’s Club and a member of the state board of the New Jersey Federation of Jr, Women’s Clubs in the 1950’s; a member of the Branford Women’s Club in the 1960’s; served on the board of the Community Dining Room in Branford from 1992-2002; and was a member of the Branford Seniors. She enjoyed traveling throughout the USA and foreign countries via car, planes and cruises with family and her dear friend Madeline Grant. Most cherished to her were family vacations to Manasquan Beach which continued from the 50’s and grew to include great-grandchildren, whom she dearly loved who called her “Grandma Grace.” Grace is survived by her daughter Patricia Cavallaro and her husband Carmen of Branford, her grandson Michael Cavallaro, his wife Maureen and Children, Fiona Grace and Wyatt James of Branford; grandson Mark Cavallaro, his wife Jennifer and children Olivia Bailey and Chloe Ella of Guilford. She was predeceased by a sister Judith Van Hart, and her brother James R. Johnson, III. A celebration of her life and memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church, 975 Main Street, Branford on Saturday November 12th at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Salvation Army@salvationarmyusa.org/usn/. Read more
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Grace O’Connor September 13 1927 October 29 2022.
Clancy w S Branford Funeral Home Inc
Death notice for the town of: Branford, state: Connecticut