Age 90
Sister Grace, a fierce advocate for Rochester’s poor and homeless, offered those in need unconditional love and understanding leaving a legacy of service, dignity and justice
A native of Corning, New York, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Rochester, New York, at the age of 20. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mt. St. Joseph College in Buffalo, New York, and a master’s degree in urban sociology from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Sister Grace taught elementary school for nine years in the Rochester diocese before working in urban ministry for nine years in the city of Rochester. She also served at Baden Street Settlement House and was part of the ministry team at St. Bridget’s parish for three years.
She founded the House of Mercy in a one-bedroom house in Central Park in 1985 to serve the homeless. Today it is a 76-bed shelter in a different location. Grace served as the director of the House of Mercy for 32 years. She was arrested six times during protests and demonstrations as she advocated for the homeless. This year at the age of 90, she founded a new shelter, La Madonna Della Strada (Our Lady of the Streets) in Rochester.