Grace M. Abernethy

Grace Marie Abernethy, 93, of Canfield, OH, passed away on June 12, 2024. A host of angels led by her beloved husband, Thomas Wilson Abernethy, her infant daughter, Katherine Marie, and her brother Dennis Rochelle, lifted her to Heaven. The daughter of Virginia and Dennis Rochelle, Grace was born May 11, 1931, in Jersey City, NJ.

Grace served as an Army nurse during the Korean War. While stationed at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC, she met the love of her life, Tom. They were married for 62 years. Grace’s passion for caring for people continued throughout her life. Over the years, Grace opened her home and arms to a myriad of people experiencing various hardships and needs. She provided comfort, care, and no judgment. Her first questions to those entering her home were, “Are you hungry? What can I get you?” Her passion and respect for the sanctity of human life were demonstrated when she testified against abortion at the Ohio Legislature in the late 1960s.

Along with Tom, Grace was a key figure in the development and building of the School of Bright Promise/Jefferson County Workshop. She was a trailblazer because of her son, Tim, who has special needs. Grace had a way of bringing politicians and high-level organizations together and educating them on the needs of children with disabilities. She led the charge in organizing the first overnight special needs camp in Jefferson County. She and Tom were lifelong advocates for Tim and his peers to ensure their rights and education as individuals with disabilities. Their example planted the seeds of inclusion in their other four children and paved the way for today’s families who have children with special needs.

As a three-time breast cancer survivor, Grace was involved in providing support to those experiencing cancer as well as educating women about early detection. Her mantra was, “Look good. Feel better.” In recent years, she was known for the pink streak in her hair, which gave her the opportunity to educate those who commented on it about breast cancer.

Grace’s legacy lives on through her children: Tim Abernethy of Boardman, OH; Susan (Tom) Davis of Locust, NC; Michael (Darlene) Abernethy of Roscoe, IL; Jennifer (Peter) Taylor of Dublin, OH; and Barbara (Michael) Cummings of Canfield, OH. Grace wore the title of “Nana” as a crown—she is survived by ten grandchildren: Tim (Rachel), Katie (Ben), Christine, Jonathan, Benjamin (Aubrie), Emily, Jacob (Aspacia), Grace, Audra, and Trevor (Cha); as well as five great-grandchildren: Archer, Lily, Madison Grace, TJ, and future Maria Grace. She is also survived by her siblings: Virginia Ervin of Charlotte, NC; Elaine Davis of Durham, NC; Neil Rochelle of Durham, NC; and Stanley Rochelle of Naples, FL; in addition to many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Inn at Ironwood in Canfield for all the love and support shown to Grace since her arrival in 2019.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 21, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, June 22, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery following mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to honor Grace’s passion for breast cancer support through Trinity Health System Foundation (380 Summit Ave., Steubenville, OH 43952 [in memo: Beyond Pink]) or her passion for supporting individuals with disabilities through MASCO, Inc. (160 Marlwood Circle, Boardman, OH 44512).

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com