Grace E. York
Grace E. York, age 105, of Hamden, passed away on June 18, 2019 at her home. Born in Columbus, Ohio on September 8, 1913, she was a daughter of the late Ervel & Minnie (Callahan) Benedict. Grace was the widow of Rev. Lauren D. York, Sr. Grace was an organist for many of the churches where her husband was the Pastor. They started at a church in Kings Park and later Sea Cliff, LI, NY in 1937, moved to Hamden, Connecticut in 1966, and subsequently lived in Watertown for many years. Grace resided her last 20 years in Hamden, working along with her daughter at The Evergreen Shop. Grace also was an organist at local funeral homes whenever needed, and sang with the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for over 25 years. She is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Althoff and her husband Michael of Hamden; her son, Rev. Lauren 'David' York, Jr. and his wife Suzanne of Monroe; grandchildren Patty Conte, Jane Althoff, Daniel York, and Jeffrey York; nine great-grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter. She was predeceased by three sisters and a brother. Friends may visit with her family on Friday, June 21st from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Her Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in Evergreen Cemetery, 183 North St, Watertown, CT. A Memorial Service will also be held on July 6th at 1:00 p.m. in the Hamden Plains United Methodist Church, 15 Church St., Hamden. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.
An incredible woman who left an amazing legacy. We were all blessed to know her.
Love and Prayers, Suzanne, Chris, Riley, and Tanner Powell
I can remember when I would sing in GNHCC with the lovely Grace. She had a beautiful voice a true gift and a smile that lite up the room. Miss Grace I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to have you in my life and know you. You are a true example of all the goodness life has when you keep your heart close to God. May you rest in peace surrounded by God love and may he bless and wrap his arms of compassion around all your family as he guides them through this time…
I have wonderful memories of Grace and her loving personality. Singing, sewing traveling chatting what a pleasure to have known Grace. My thoughts and prayers are with her loving family at this sad time.
Fran Giffin
My sincerest condolences to the entire York family. You are truly blessed to have had Grace in your life for as long as this. I am happy to have known her however brief it was. Hopefully as time passes, your pain will ease and you will find joy in remembering all of the memories that you have shared. Prayers and loving thoughts to your family, Deb Schmidt
Bill & I have so many wonderful memories of the last 42 years that we were blessed to know this great lady from YMCA functions, her wonderful potato salad (though she would not use Hellman’s) to scrubbing the cigarette smoke covered walls of the Evergreen Shop. She always tried to teach me how to measure for a framing correctly but it was useless.
Will so miss those great welcoming hugs. love to all of you – Romola
Please accept our prayers at this time. Grace was a special person. She will be remembered by all of us not only because of our interactions with her throughout the years but the difference she made in the lives of so many. No matter how well one believes they are prepared for this moment, it always comes at us hard, and we will be thinking of all of you as you celebrate Grace.
All of our love and Prayers;
Scott, Stacey, Anna, and Sophie Masters
With deepest sympathy to all. What a gift to have known such a wonderful woman. Mrs. York was incredibly kind and caring. Beautiful smile and sense of humor! Though I have not seen her in many years; I think of her, and the entire Althoff family often. May God Bless.
Linda Noyes Holbrook
Grace was a remarkable woman. We are better for having known her