Grace M. Abere, 93, of Eau Claire, WI, formerly of White Bear Lake, MN, died peacefully at home on Friday, April 5, 2013. Grace was born in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Edward & Mary Lawlor. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Queens College in New York. During college, she was captain of the tennis team and involved in the Spanish and Drama Clubs. It was there that she met her future husband, Joseph Abere. Joe and Grace were married on December 26, 1943, in Queens Village, New York. Grace became the first female ticket report auditor for American Airlines during World War II. She and Joe had their first child in New York, then moved to White Bear Lake, MN in 1948, when Joe took a job at 3M. They raised seven children in White Bear Lake and were members of St. Pius X Parish. Grace was a fantastic cook and superb manager of her household. We all remember Sunday brunches, BBQ's in the backyard, picnics at Square Lake and holiday traditions. She enjoyed traveling with her family, music, dancing, and literature. She and Joe moved to Eau Claire, WI, in 2003. Joe passed away soon after the move, but Grace enjoyed many years at Heritage Assisted Living in Eau Claire. Her greatest joy was her family. She truly was a "graceful" lady and we will always remember her beautiful smile and kindness. Our deepest gratitude to the staff at Heritage. Your tender loving care of our mother touched our hearts in countless ways. Grace is survived by her seven children, Linda Abere of Nassau, Bahamas, Dennis (Anne) Abere of Waukesha, WI, Cynthia (Michael) Cragg of Rice Lake, WI, Christine (Anthony) Arnerich of Portland, Oregon, Kathleen (William) Morin of Eau Claire, WI, Mary Jeanne (John) Hecht of Madison, WI, Douglas (Ann) Abere of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren Amy (Nate) Cragg, Scott (Aleksandra) Cragg, Michael Abere, Nicholas (Sandra) Arnerich, Luka Arnerich, Kata Arnerich, Jaclyn Morin, Kelly Morin, Benjamin Hecht, Julie Hecht, Alison Abere, Jennifer Abere; and great-grandchildren Isabella & Emilio Arnerich and Kathryn Cragg. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Joseph Abere; her parents; and her sister, Eileen Bueglar. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, WI, with Father Eugene Klink officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass at the church. Private burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Mahtomedi, MN. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Queens College Foundation, Kiely Hall, Room 1306, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367-1597; or Mayo Clinic Health System - Eau Claire, Healing Garden, PO Box 4105, Eau Claire, WI 54702.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery - Mahtomedi, MN Highway 120 Mahtomedi MN

Visitation

Wednesday, April 10 2013 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1712 Highland Ave. Eau Claire WI 54701

Mass of Christian Burial

Wednesday, April 10 2013 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1712 Highland Ave. Eau Claire WI 54701