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Michael Grace Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Grace
Sponsored by the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus.
Robert Vedder
May 4, 2009
Sorry to hear about Bob, our prayers are with you. Kay and Bill.
Gerry Kosovich
December 21, 2008
Wagner, Norm
Our sympathy to Norm's children and grandchildren and wife.
We are unable to attend services to pay our respect to Norm, but he and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. Aunt Ann and family.
July 25, 2002
I was very sadened to hear about Brother Grace's death in the last issue of Partners. He had been a wonderful help to me in completing my University of Chicago dissertation on Catholic universities in the Midwest back in the 1980s. Mike had always been extremely helpful, patient, and supportive to me in my several years of working in the archives there. His wonderful concern for others, for the good of the Society, and his expansive knowledge about Loyola University will be greatly missed.
Kevin O'Reilly
June 3, 2002
Taught me more than most Loyola professors, from his perch in the library's archives.
Midwest Bookhunters
May 25, 2002
The members of Midwest Bookhunters lost a special friend with the passing of Bro. Grace. When it was decided a few years ago to have one of our semi-annual book fairs at the Gentile Center at Loyola, Bro. Grace became our enthusiastic supporter and an invaluable "go-between". There were many hurdles to overcome and it is no exagerration to say we would never have had the fair at Loyola were it not for Bro. Grace. His kindness and diplomacy always smoothed the waters. And we were always fortunate on the day of the fair to see his smiling face as he toured the booths. The Midwest Bookhunters will continue to have book fairs at Loyola and Bro. Grace will be fondly remembered as a fellow book lover and a treasured friend.
Mark Cortez
May 23, 2002
I worked with Brother Grace for several years and was always impressed by his professionalism and by his dedication to helping others. His passing is a great loss for the Loyola community. And his life has been a great gift for all who he touched.
Glen Gildemeister
May 22, 2002
What an extraordinary privelege to have had the presence of Brother Michael in my life. It was through archives work that I came to know him and through our MAC Council work that we became friends. Soon, however, in his inimitible way Brother Michael widened that into a personal relationship of caring and communication which was, for me, unique. And it was this last aspect which most I will always remember. Brother Michael made the words of St. Paul come alive for me. "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." And then more: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.." He was, for me, a model of the servant of God. That was his vow and he kept it well. Brother Michael will never leave my memory and I give thanks to God for his coming into my life. Losing his presence here on this earth has been hard. Harder than I would have thought it would be. But I live in the same faith and hope which was his own and I know that some day I shall see him again. Of that faith and hope we spoke often and his memory, like God's grace, will always be sufficient for me.
Gary Bouchard
May 21, 2002
When I began work on my dissertation on sixteenth century Cambridge and its poets at Loyola University in 1986 I benefited from two wonderful discoveries. The first was that Loyola's rare book collection included a 1633 edition of the poetry of Phineas Fletcher. The second was the acquaintance of the discoverer, Brother Michael Grace whose wisdom and kind assistance I recall to this day. May God grant to him the remarkable grace thqat he has shown to others.
Virginia Piecuch
May 21, 2002
You have my condolences and prayers.
Kathryn DeGraff
May 20, 2002
I met Michael Grace in 1982, as archivist building the collections at DePaul as he was building those at Loyola. As Archivist Librarians at Catholic Universities in Chicago, we shared questions, researchers and research interests, and professional associations in MAC and Caxton Club. I could always count on Mike for encouragement, commiseration, consultation, and friendly rivalry. I will miss his generosity, humanity, and goodness. May his spirit and memory grace us all.
Kenneth O'Malley, C.P.
May 20, 2002
I have known Michael for almost thirty years. In 1989, I did an internship under him in the Archives at Loyola University. I have been an admirer of Michael for decades. His thorough knowledge of archives, John Henry Newman, Thomas More, etc. alsways astounded me. It was a schock for me to learn of his death, several days after his funeral. It is a great loss. I am greatful to Patrick Quinn for the eloquent eulogy published on the web. Michael will be sorely missed. Yet his inspiration and example continues to be a source of motivation. Sincerely, Rev. Kenneth O'Malley, C.P., Director of the Paul Bechtold Library at Catholic Theological Union at Chicago.
Katie Brandt
May 17, 2002
To all who have signed the guest book for my Uncle Mike, we want you to know how very much your kind words and reflections have meant to all of us. We knew what a special person he was in the roles of Uncle and friend, but we had no idea how many people he touched...Thank you for taking the time to write as it is helping us deal with such a great loss. God Bless our Uncle Mike!
Michael Flug
May 15, 2002
When I first met Brother Michael as an archivist new to the Chicago circle, he was wonderfully welcoming and helpful to me, as he had been to the curator of the Harsh Research Collection, Robert Miller. Always open and friendly, he treated all Chicago archivists like an extended family. Everytime I saw him over the years, he was supportive of our struggles and attentive to issues of African American archives. We will miss his loving concern.
Barbara Kraemer, OSF
May 15, 2002
We at the Center for the Study of Religious Life express our sympathy and promise of prayers to the family of Brother Michael Grace. Michael has been a member of our Library Advisory Committee for the past two years. I met him at Loyola several years ago during the History of Women Religious Conference and appreciated the breadth of his knowledge and his interest in historical and archival work related to religious life. He was a resource to us as we began to build a collection on religious life at the Bechtold Library at Catholic Theological Union. We will miss him. We know he enjoys the reward Jesus promises to each of us who is faithful to him.
Patricia Mooney-Melvin
May 15, 2002
I was saddened to hear of Br. Grace's passing. He has been a delightful colleague and good mentor for the many graduate students in Loyola's Public History Program who worked with him in the Archives. He taught them well and was supportive when they began their new lives as professionals. My condolences to his family and friends.
Patricia Mooney-Melvin
Julie Thomas
May 15, 2002
I got to know Brother Mike when we were co-chairs for the MAC Local Arrangements Committee and it was during this time that I learned the depths of his professionalism, generosity, principles and convivial nature. I'm a better archivist and person for having known him.
Edward Warro
May 13, 2002
I have been out of the country and returned today and learned the sad news about Brother Grace. I worked with Michael for 20 years at Loyola University Chicago During many of those years, he reported to me when I was Associate Dean and then Dean of Libraries.
I would like to recognize the quality of his work and his steadfastness in advocating for the Loyola Archives and in promoting the importance of preserving the historical record. He was a dedicated Loyolan who continued to do his best for the University when so many others were discouraged by budget cuts and chaos in the University administration.
I enjoyed his wit, his dry humor and his kindness. He is a major loss to Loyola University. He not only served as the archivist, but as the oral historian who always knew the inside story behind the official record.
He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Elisabeth Wittman
May 13, 2002
Dear Family and Friends of Brother Michael,
I have just returned today from a business trip and found the news of the passing of our dear Brother Michael. As I think of him, I recall an occasion where he was not present, but his presence was deeply noted. It was a duel event of the awarding of the Midwest Archives Conference President's Award to Joseph Cardinal Bernardin and an address by Father Byrne of the Vatican archives. I noticed that Brother Michael was not in the audience. How could this be? Jac Treanor, the Chicago diocesan archivist, began the meeting by announcing that Brother Michael was not there due to a severe injury from a fall. There was an audible "oh" from the audience of perhaps 100-200 people. That is how I felt about Brother Michael, too. That we all wished him every good thing and were grieved to hear of his misfortune. Of course he did recover from that injury and we enjoyed his company and friendship for many years to come. I have the small card of remembrance from his 50th anniversary of entrance to the Society of Jesus pinned to the wall in my cubicle. I put it there after he sent it to me to bring me a chance moment during my day to think of my good friend. Now I will recall him for his friendliness and the ecumenical spirit he had with everyone, but especially among other religious archivists. We shared our common goals of archives, but also our common faith. Rest in peace good and faithful servant and friend.
Elisabeth Wittman
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Archives, Chicago
Anne Martinez
May 12, 2002
I first met Brother Grace several years ago when I began doing research for my dissertation. Though Loyola did not have the materials I was looking for, Brother Grace did his best to assist me in finding them, and guide me in seeking access to them -- a process that took nearly a year. Since that time, he remained interested and invested in my project.
During my first visit to LUC's archives, Brother Grace introduced me to Montezuma Seminary, a project of the U.S. bishops from the mid 1930s to the 1970s. Since it did not fit into my time period, I did not do much more than note the existence of the Seminary. Brother Grace so wanted someone to write a piece on Montezuma. I'm please to say that I finally got a chance to do that in the last few months, and was able to share my preliminary thoughts in a paper at a conference at Notre Dame a few weeks ago. It was wonderful to see Brother Grace there, and to see his pride in seeing "his project" come into the spotlight.
He has been such a great friend and supporter, and I will miss him greatly. Loyola has lost not just an archivist, but a piece of history. Brother Grace carried with him such a thorough knowledge and understanding of the significance of the materials at LUC and I'm sad that we've all lost such a great resource, as well as a great friend.
Katie Dishman
May 10, 2002
I was very saddened to learn of Brother Grace's passing. He was very kind and helpful to me when I was in graduate school at Loyola and as I pursued my own career in archives. He was such a nice man and very dedicated in his career which he seemed to enjoy greatly. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.
Vanessa Crouther
May 9, 2002
I was deeply saddened to learn of Br. Grace’s death.
I will remember him as a kind, gentle and generous man, who loved working and opera. I don’t really know how many years we worked together, but I do know they were enjoyable and productive. I will miss his eye for detail, his wit and his wisdom. Loyola will never be the same without him. Br. Grace left his mark not only on the University Archives but on all of his co-workers. Our hearts will be sad for a long while, but we will remember the joy he brought to each day that we worked together.
Colleen Lipe
May 9, 2002
I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Brother Mike through his wonderful family. I would see him at family get togethers and he would always be very interested in what was going on in my life and my siblings lives. I remember when my father was sick with cancer and he would send him cards to see how he was doing and it meant the world to my father and to us. I also remember when he took the time to send an article to my husband regarding a conversation they had had and how it had touched my husband as to how kind and thoughtful Brother Mike was to remember him. What a kind and wonderful brother, uncle and friend he was. He will be truly missed.
Laura Graedel
May 9, 2002
I remember fondly the Chicago Area Archivists' Christmas parties hosted by Brother Grace at Loyola. While I did not know Brother Grace well, I was always struck by the warmth of his personality. The memorial service last night was a lovely tribute.
Joanne Grossman
May 9, 2002
I met Brother Grace when I was a graduate student in Loyola's Public History program, too many years ago now. He worked with Janet Nolan to create a meaningful oral history project for her students, and helped us through the steps of carefully capturing the lives of former faculty members on tape. He was always supportive and kind, as he continued to be whenever our paths crossed through the years that I worked at the Chicago Historical Society. I hope that somewhere along the line Brother Grace's words have been committed to audiotape so that future generations may know something of him.
My condolences to all his friends and loved ones.
Brother Malachy McCarthy
May 9, 2002
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the Jesuit Community and Brother Grace's family upon his death. Brother Grace had an overflowing love for Loyola Chicago and was always interested in making sure that his collections reflected the rich history of the university. He was a great friend and fellow archivist and was always encouraging during the time I was immersed in completing my dissertation.
Fortunately, I saw him about three weeks ago at a Latino History Conference at Notre Dame and true to himself, he attended the conference to hear a paper by Anne Martinez on the Catholic Church Extension Society.
He will be missed by all of us for his compassion, interest and generosity to others.
God bless Brother Grace.
Brother Malachy McCarthy, osb
Saint Anselm College
Martin Starr
May 9, 2002
Brother Grace, who I met at the Caxton Club, was a man whose love for his calling was evident in his every word. Rest eternal!
Bob Shuster
May 9, 2002
I knew Brother Michael from 20+ years of meetings of the Midwest Archives Conference and from his too infrequent visits to us out here at the Billy Graham Center Archives in Wheaton. As an archivist, he was always an example of professional intergretiy and dedication to service. As a person he was always kind, wise and the best example of a Christian gentleman. Many times I turned to him for help and he was always there and I know this is true of other archivists as well. His family, friends and coworkers cannot but grieve and miss him, but but I hope it is a comfort to know he is now with the Lord be loved and served.
Sue Holbert
May 9, 2002
I didn't know Brother Grace well, but I know it was a pleasure to see him and work with him when the occasion arose. He was a friend to the antiquarian book community as well as to archivists. We'll all miss you.
Cheri Thies
May 9, 2002
Both personally and as President of the Midwest Archives Conference, I would like to add my condolences to all who knew and loved Brother Michael. Not only was he a valued member of MAC who had served on Council and on numerous Chicago Local Arrangements Committees, he was also a wonderful colleague and friend who always had a kind and encouraging word and smile. I always looked forward to seeing him at meetings and he will be greatly missed by us all.
Tim Slavin
May 9, 2002
I was very saddened to learn of the death of Brother Michael Grace.
As a newcomer to the profession of archives and to the city of Chicago in the late 1980s, Brother Mike became a wonderful colleague and a personal friend. He assisted me greatly, and he was a wonderful asset to the Archdiocese of Chicago and Jac Treanor as the program developed and matured.
As sad as I am to hear that Brother Mike has passed away, I am equally thankful for having known him.
Sister Frances Lombaer, OP
May 9, 2002
Sympathy and prayers on the death of Brother Michael.
David Koch
May 9, 2002
Brother Michael always welcomed me to Chicago and MAC with a warm and friendly smile, and the conversation invariably began where it had left off the trip before. He provided friendship, professional help, and concern -- and good humor and quiet wit. We all have been blessed by his friendship.
Joan & Therese McElroy (Michels)
May 8, 2002
We grew up with Brother Michael and were members of the Black Friday Club together.
Harry Klinkhamer
May 8, 2002
The passing of Br. Grace, as all us students called him, came as a complete shock and filled me with sadness. His quirky mannerisms and sly sense of humor always made working in the archives fun and intersting. I was able to learn a lot from him--and not just about archives. He took great pride in his work and in the holdings of the collection. We kept in touch after I graduated and he was always excited to share stories with me about how the collections I processed were being used by researchers.
Br. Grace was a very caring and compassionate soul. I'll never forget when he showed up at my father's wake because he read the obituary in the paper.
As others have stated, he will be missed by many in the archival community. As well, Loyola has lost a big part of its history and institutional memory.
Shonnie Finnegan
May 8, 2002
I was saddened to learn of the untimely death of Brother Grace. My sympathy goes out to his family and his many devoted friends and colleagues. I shall always remember his quick wit and kindness whenever I ran into him at the annual meetings of the Society of American Archivists. He was one of those rare souls who was more interested in others than in touting his own considerable accomplishments. I know from his long-time colleague, Valerie Browne, what a lasting legacy he left to Loyola University, and from other colleagues how much he contributed to the archival profession. From my own experience, I felt blessed whenever I encountered Brother Grace. The name is so perfect! He liked to kid me about my "Irish" in a way that encouraged me to be true to myself, even when I was apparently going against the tide by asserting that archives is a humanistic, as opposed to a technological, profession. God bless you, Brother Grace. May you rest in peace. You will remain an inspiration for all whose lives you touched. Shonnie Finnegan, SUNY at Buffalo Archivist Emerita , past president, SAA.
Susan Sacharski
May 8, 2002
The news of Brother Michael's passing was very sad indeed. As a valued member of the local archival community, his contributions to Loyola University, to the Midwest Archives Conference and the Chicago Area Archivists were many. More importantly, he will be remembered and deeply missed by his colleagues and friends who were blessed to know this kind, compassionate and gentle man.
Peter Gunther
May 8, 2002
As a larval archivist, I was required to visit and write a report for Patrick Quinn's class. I chose to visit Brother Grace at Loyola. Brother Grace recieved me with the hospitality and warmth his surname belies. I spent a wonderful afternoon touring his repository, but even more enjoyable chatting with and interviewing him afterwards. I came away with an improved opinion of clergy, especially Jesuits, who I had previously thought could be hard cases and somewhat intense. I also learned more fully the true meaning of Patrick's wise aphorism spoken the first day of class "Archives are always a compromise between the optimally desirable and the possible."
Amen.
Paul Anderson
May 8, 2002
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Brother Michael. I counted myself among the latter and always looked forward to seeing him at archival meetings. I particularly remember his warm and generous concern for me and my family when my wife, Louisa Bowen, who was also of our profession, died. I am confident that Brother Michael's legacy will live on.
Jeffrey Marlett
May 8, 2002
The ways in which Br. Michael Grace, SJ, helped me just recently paid their dividends. I am glad that he had a chance to know of my gratitude for all his help. In January 1997 I took the train up from St. Louis to do some doctoral research in the Extension Society archives. Br. Grace guided me--not without some pride--through Loyola's, well, "extensive" collection of the Society's materials and photographs. Br. Grace really seemed to love and enjoy his work: providing commentary for every photography I examined, suggesting possible connections with other archival materials, giving directions about Loyola's campus, etc. I finished the dissertation, and, just last month, finally published a book from that research. It was a pleasure to send Br. Grace one of the first copies as a small sign of gratitude. I will surely miss him and his sense of humor, but surely not nearly so much as those who knew him better.
Jane Kenamore
May 8, 2002
Br. Michael Grace was one of the first archivists I met after moving to the Chicago area in 1988. He became a good friend, as well as colleague, and I always looked forward to chats with him at CAA functions. He was so energetic and interested in what others were doing, and his memory was incredible! He never forgot, for instance, that I sang in a choir and often alerted me to performances of other choirs in the area. His death came as a great shock - we'll all miss him.
Sheila Ryan
May 8, 2002
Eighteen years ago I took a deep breath, accepted an offer of eight months' employment at the Chicago Historical Society, and moved from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago. Brother Michael Grace holds perpetual membership within the body of Chicago archivists who first welcomed me into what I still treasure as a community today.
Possessed of a fine memory and a sensibility both perceptive and generous, he lent to gatherings of the Midwest Archives Conference a sense of continuity both individual and collective. It saddens me to contemplate MAC without Brother Grace . . . and I imagine I delude myself in so doing. Come October, his spirit may well make its way to South Dakota.
John Zwicky
May 8, 2002
I knew Brother Grace from the time I was a student at Loyola back in the early 80's. He was always helpful to me when I was a student of history and archives and later on as a professional archivist. He was always interested in improving the Loyola archives and its services and outreach to the academic community. As the university archivist, he was always quite friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Loyola and happy to share it. I often remember running into him at archives conventions and gatherings of local archivists. Indeed, he often hosted the local Christmas party of area archivists. I'm sure that there are many of us with fond memories of Brother Grace. He will be missed.
David Malone
May 8, 2002
I counted it a pleasure to get to know Br. Michael a few years ago as he served on an local arrangements committee for a Midwest Archives Conference meeting. He reached out in friendship to others, which made it so easy to respond in kind. His enthusiastic devotion to his work, including his student staff, was evident as he talked about his work. Br. Michael will be missed dearly and may he receive with joy the fruits and rewards of his labors in eternal rest.
Valerie Harris
May 8, 2002
God bless Brother Grace
Laura Mills
May 8, 2002
I was so sorry to hear of Brother Michael's passing. His presence will be deeply missed in the Midwest Archives Conference. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Robert Tenuta
May 8, 2002
I remember Brother Grace fondly as a supervisor and a friend. He helped with my career fondly as well. I still remember his words that have influenced me ever since from Voltaire "Details make the masterpiece" I try to live tose words every day. He will be remembered and missed.
Carolyn Foster
May 8, 2002
My deepest sympathy.
Gerald (Gerry) Duffy
May 8, 2002
Mike and I graduated together in the St. Ignatius Class of 1950. I was the poorest kid in the class and Mike's smile and willing attitude always made me feel good.
Cornelius O'Shea
May 8, 2002
Over the years Brother Michael donated scores of worthwhile volumes to the Chicago Public Library, chiefly relating to Chicago and Irish history, and was a kind Friend to the Sulzer Regional Library and its professional staff.
Patrick Hynes
May 8, 2002
Mike Grace, Bob Lee, Neil Reardon and myself were almost inseparable from our freshman to senior years at St. Ignatius and for Neil and I, a year at John Carroll. Our lives went separate ways with infrequent contacts, but we seemed to know what each of us was doing
Mike is the first to follow the path that God has laid out and to be with Him to Whom he dedicated his life. God wanted Mike now and has set him free.
Put in a good word for us, Mike.
Mary Lundin
May 8, 2002
I will always remember Brother Grace for his kindness, patience, efficiency and care for the psst history of Loyola and the Jesuits. He and I worked together when I was Executive Secretary for Father James F. Maguire, S.J. It was always a pleasure to work with him.
Richard/ Marylou Davis
May 8, 2002
We are so sorry for the lost of Bro. Michael J. Grace
Richard /MaryLou Davis
Chicago Il 5/08/02
Barry Tatel
May 8, 2002
Mike and I have been friends since college ar Loyola, and we always stayed in touch throughout the years. He was always interested in my Jewish life, and we shared many Jewish and Christian celebrations together. He never forgot a card at the Jewish holidays, and when my parents were ill, he always remembered them. He always wanted to have the "Rome Experience" that I was so lucky to have through the Loyola program, and I am sorry that it was never to be. I will miss this dear friend, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his many family members and friends who I know will miss Mike. I know that I will.
Gerolyn Hudson
May 8, 2002
I have known Bro. Michael Grace since the late 70s. I don’t really recall how we met. I do know that we maintained a consistent friendship since that time. Whenever I needed information about Loyola, I instantly sought out the assistance of Bro. Grace. He had a wealth of information to impart.
Once I began working in the library, I was especially glad that I would be on a team that included Bro. Grace.
Loyola has lost a warm, wonderful, intuitive and sensitive man. However, the Lord has retrieved one of his most precious children, one who served well and completed his mission. I will deeply miss his presence, but I am grateful that he did not suffer long and is now at rest in the comforting arms of his Lord.
Swarna Wickremeratne
May 8, 2002
It was only the other day that Brother Michael was with us, so much a part of our lives part of our being. And now he is gone.
I knew Brother Michael both professionally and personally. He was the archivist par excellence. I never ceased to be surprised by two things, when working with him. His vast knowledge, which traversed boundless tracks and his mastery of detail. Whatever he was talking about he conveyed the sense of depth and erudition. Over the years I learnt a great deal. He shared his vast knowledge willingly and selflessly.
He intuitively understood the people he came in touch with, their anxieties, troubles, and what seemed to be the burdens of life. He would discreetly ask in his soft voice and was always forthcoming with advice and comfort. Somehow the problems seemed less. Through close interaction with Brother Michael I understood what he was trying to say, that the greatest treasures of life are around us and yet in our blindness we never see them.
Metaphysically speaking he gave everything laboring in the Lord’s vineyard above all the gift of himself.
The manner of his departure was typical. He was writing a card for someone – always there was the thought of someone to whom something had to be done. In the midst of his labor the Lord gently touched him as much as to say, “Your earthly labors are done, the peace of heaven awaits you”. Was there a better way to go?
Swarna Wickremeratne
Loyola University Chicago
May 8, 2002
Archie Motley
May 7, 2002
It's been my pleasure and privilege to have known Brother Michael since
1978, when he was appointed University Archivist at Loyola University of Chicago. The eloquent and moving comments about him in this Guest Book bring tears and joy to me. He was a decent, caring person, and faithful friend.
His love for Loyola and history were manifest in his dedicated work in the archives which has done so much for the university and the scholars and students they serve.
I am glad he spent so much of his life in a position he so much enjoyed. My family and I will never forget his kindness to us all
especially in times of difficulty and need. It is a wonderful thing that this Guest Book can serve as a tribute to this special person and to recall his many good deeds and achievements that he never boasted about himself. We send our condolences to his family and friends and look forward to seeing them at the services on Wednesday
at Madonna dell Strada Chapel that he loved so much.
Troy and Justin
May 7, 2002
As student workers at the Loyola University Archives, we had a special relationship with Br. Grace. When you worked with him, it was obvious he was more than just a boss. Brother always took a sincere interest in our lives and families and offered help in any way he could. He was generous with his time and energy, and had extensive knowledge on a wide range of topics. From simple things like directions to Comiskey Park to the complexities of the life of St. Thomas More, Br. Grace liberally shared his expertise. We will fondly remember his meticulous devotion to his work, his kindheartedness to us as student workers, and his faithfulness to his ministry at the Loyola University Archives. We will truly miss him.
Earl&Arlene Clark
May 7, 2002
Condolences
Rae (Sikula) Bielakowski
May 7, 2002
I gratefully remember the trouble that Brother Grace took to work around my employment schedule last year, when I used the archives for research. He was very patient with me--led me to excellent sources--and always had an encouraging word. He will be greatly missed!
Jim & Kathleen O'Connell
May 7, 2002
Brother Grace will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Our most heartfelt condolences.
Jim & Kathleen O'Connell
Bill and Julie Dargan
May 7, 2002
Please accept our condolences.
Mike was a dear friend to many, he was always so kind and thoughtful to my mother, Florence. She was very fond of him.
Sincerely,
Bill and Julie Dargan
Deirdre Ostry
May 7, 2002
I had the privilege of meeting Brother Grace Spring of 1998. As part of my graduate assistantship, I was asked to help organize our department’s archives and was referred to Brother Grace to sort through the older documents being housed in the library. I was told by my supervisor that Brother Grace was an excellent archivist, the university’s best! In reflecting on my weekly encounters with Brother Grace, over the period of three months, I remember at first feeling slightly intimidated and insecure, as I did not quite know how to read this man who came across initially as serious and rather matter-of-fact. As a sensitive person who is easily affected by others’ reactions, I internalized this response personally. These feelings soon passed, as I experienced Brother Grace’s warmth, humor, patience, gentleness, and passion for his work through our time together. Though serious and professional, Brother Grace took the time to address my questions and to help me learn more about the archival process. I was able to observe Brother Grace interact with his colleagues and other students, as well, and noted how supportive and kind he was toward them. His workspace had an atmosphere of professionalism, as well as openness, discussion, and hospitality. In conversations with Brother Grace, we were able to connect about my hometown and the Jesuit high school my brothers attended, which Brother Grace had visited. He also showed interest in my parents’ Irish heritage, and shared with me about his own Irish roots. After I finished that semester, Brother Grace always would greet me when we saw each other on campus. This past Lent, Brother Grace passed along information about a daily prayer/meditation site on the web that I found very inspiring. This gift from Brother Grace made me consider the depth of his spirituality and appreciate him all the more. I only wish I had taken the time to have thanked him for this.
I feel blessed to have spent these brief moments with Brother Grace. From him, I take the lessons of making a commitment to contributing one’s gifts and to sharing these gently and simply with others. His quiet, sincere presence teaches me about authenticity and attention. Thank you, Brother Grace, for living your life true to yourself and to your calling, and thank God for you!
Yvonne Damien
May 7, 2002
This man, rather unassuming and known for his polite demeanor, met all the rigors of elevating the room (known as the archives/storehouse) of boxed materials and stacks of papers into an organized area of files of importance and stacks of neatly shelved archival materials and rare books. His knowledge of Jesuit History was uncanny. Many of the rare books that we proudly own whose history depicts the work of our Jesuits throughout the world have been exhibited in different displays within the Library at the Lake Shore Campus. If it weren’t for Brother Grace’s uncanny knowledge of these works they would still be left upon the shelves as the Jesuit traditions and history would not be readily noticed or told. To those who knew him, laughter was a good thing and he did exhibit a bit of Irish wit. His work was serious and also a joy. After all, the University Archives tells the story of our University and then some. One of our History Professors came up to me while at the Reference Desk stunned by the announcement. He loved Brother Grace and said it would be ok for me to share this. He said Brother Grace showed compassion and care while his wife went through many surgeries due to cancer. The graduate student workers were stunned. They learned so much about being careful with documentation, preservation and also camaraderie. He was always there for his colleagues whether in state or out of state to assist them with proper identification of author’s works, editions, etc.
Yolande Wersching
May 7, 2002
Brother Grace was my friend for many years. He was always thoughtful in so many ways. He had time to chat, share information or ask about family. When my aunt (a nun who befriended many a Jesuit in the Patna Province of the Society of Jesus) died, it was Brother Grace who took time to send a message to the Provincial office. I was honored to be a guest at the celebration of his golden jubilee as a Jesuit.
It was with great pride that he gave us a tour of the University Archives, a place he knew so well and built up over the years.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. I know that he will be watching over us from heaven and saying "Keep the faith!"
Valerie Browne
May 7, 2002
Michael Grace, S.J., left us a rich and lasting legacy through his work as University Archivist of Loyola University Chicago. Through his dedicated efforts the history of the University and the contributions of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni have been preserved for generations to come. Countless persons are indebted to Bro. Michael for sharing his broad knowledge and understanding of Loyola history, church history, and Chicago history to further their research.
Sr. Ann Ida Gannon, BVM, remembers his unparalleled goodness to Sr. Josetta Phoenix, BVM, who became the archivist for Mundelein College when she was in her 80s and his successful effort to have her elected an emerita member of the Midwest Archives Conference for outstanding work in setting up the Mundelein College Archives.
It was my privilege to work with Bro. Michael for a good many years. What my family and I will treasure most about him, even more than his exemplary contributions to the archival profession and to the world of scholarship and learning, are his many acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. It was he who always remembered our wedding anniversary, long after others (except us!) had forgotten. Until they died, it was he who sent the birthday cards and notes to my parents that meant so much to them and to us. My mother always talked about the exquisite flower arrangement he sent for her 85th birthday. He was there again and again for the sick and infirm. So it is no surprise that when my husband, Archie Motley, recently underwent knee replacement surgery, he was there for us, too. We will always be grateful.
Michael's expressive, deep brown eyes were truly the windows to his soul and to his emotions: sparkling with humor and wit, angry at an injustice, reflective of pain, and full of love and caring. How blessed we have been to know him. My family and I send our deepest sympathies to the family he loved so much. We share in your loss. At the same time we join you in celebrating all that he meant to all of us. We will miss him greatly.
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