Obituary of Grace Costich Schlageter

GRACE C. SCHLAGETER

Grace Costich Schlageter passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Born at Genesee Hospital on October 29, 1937. She was predeceased in childhood by her father, Frank S. Costich. In adulthood she was predeceased by her parents, Santa Bondi and Walter Costich and her sister and brother-in-law, Annette and Francis Calvaruso. She is survived by her husband of fifty-nine years, J. Noel. She is survived as well by her nieces, Marie Calvaruso (Simon Pontin) and Anne Calvaruso and her nephew, Thomas Calvaruso along with many other nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Grace grew up on her family’s farm in Wayne County, attending a one room school for the first six years of her education. She was a member of the Wayne Central High School class of 1955 and graduated from Nazareth College. She completed post graduate coursework at the University of Rochester and SUNY Brockport. Grace taught junior high and high school social studies in the Rochester City School District for thirty-five years, twenty-eight years at Monroe High School and completing her career with seven years at East High School. She is remembered by her students for the high standards she set and her attention to detail. She enjoyed keeping in contact with her former students.

Grace’s faith was important to her. A devoted participant in the congregational life of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Webster from the time it was built in 1968, Grace regularly attended mass and served on the Parish Council. Grace also served her community as a member of various committees in the Town of Penfield.

Grace was a voracious reader, enjoying a variety of genres and topics, fiction and nonfiction. She was eager to discuss her reading with others and freely shared many books with friends and family.

Traveling the world with Noel, Grace thrived on encountering new experiences and cultures. She loved meeting people and appreciated the unique qualities of the many places she visited. Her stories were entertaining and enlightening whether they were about a hospital visit in Russia, carrying a large brass samovar home from Turkey, or a shopping tip in China.

In both her travels and in her day-to-day life at home, Grace had an eye for beauty in its many forms. Her tastes were very refined, yet she also took great pleasure in simple things like an afternoon on the porch in Towlesville, Stueben County or the taste of a perfect apple or cherry. These things bear witness to pride in her family’s farming roots, an appreciation for the fruits of the land and hard work.

Grace was energetic and active. She enjoyed playing tennis with friends, and it was sometimes a challenge for her nieces and nephews to keep up with her on her adventures. Family members all have very fond memories of her frank observations and wry humor, but especially of her generosity. The measure of her true nature was evident in the thoughtful words and meaningful gifts that were not relegated simply to holidays and birthdays. She noticed and remembered special things about her loved ones and would find things for them that were thoughtful, sincere or even practical. It was important for her to establish and maintain connections.

Most significant to remember is Grace’s devotion to her husband Noel. They met as young teachers at Monroe High School and married on August 15, 1964. Over the years, Grace’s ironic calls to “J. Noel” and “Schlags” could not betray her love and affection for him, her commitment to him and to the rich life that they have shared for so long. Many people will miss Grace immeasurably. She was truly one of a kind.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 30, from 4pm – 7pm at Falvo Funeral Home 1295 Fairport Nine Mile Pt. Rd. Webster, N.Y. 14580. On Wednesday, please join the family at 11am at Holy Spirit Church for her Funeral Mass. Interment White Haven Memorial Park.

Donations may be made in Grace’s name to a charity of your choice.