Grace McDonnell Obituary

McDonnell, Grace A.
Grace Audrey McDonnell, age 7, born on November 4, 2005, beloved and cherished daughter of Christopher and Lynn Zapf McDonnell of Sandy Hook, died tragically on December 14, 2012 in the Sandy Hook Elementary School. A beautiful and artistic soul, Grace was truly a gift from God and represented all that is good in this world. She was passionate about painting, and she loved the beach. Grace's dream was to become a painter and live on Martha's Vineyard. In addition to her parents, Grace is survived by her big brother Jack Sheridan McDonnell of Sandy Hook; maternal grandparents Frederick and Sheila Dunn Zapf of Stony Brook, NY; paternal grandmother Mary Ann Gorbutt McDonnell of Shelton and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Grace was predeceased by her paternal grandfather Lawrence P. McDonnell and her namesake, maternal great-grandmother Audrey Dunn Franz; Family and friends may call may call on Thursday, December 20, 2012 from 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Rd., Newtown. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 21, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. in St. Rose of Lima Church. In Lieu of Flowers the family requests that you consider making a donation to the Grace Memorial fund at the Fairfield County Community Foundation. Of you choose to do so, please make your check payable to "Grace McDonnell Memorial Fund at FCCF" and mail it to Fairfield County Community Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Published by Danbury News Times & Connecticut Post from Dec. 19 to Dec. 20, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Grace McDonnell

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To Grace Family
I Am SO SORRY For The Loss OF Beautiful Daughter Grace That She´s With Friends And She´s Up There With Her Wonderful Principal
We Will Love You And Miss You Always
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM
Friend

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

February 20, 2024

To Grace Family I Am SO SORRY For
The Loss OF Beautiful Daughter Grace That She’s With
Friends And She’s Up There With Her Wonderful Principal
We Will Love You And Miss You
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM
Friend

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

January 12, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

April 26, 2023

Grace,
I Will Always Remember You, Your Friends
Teachers & Principal At Sandy Hook
Rest IN Peace Little Angel
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

April 24, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

April 19, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

April 13, 2023

Grace,

You are always in my thoughts and Prayers (Students, teachers and Family) Since then I have lost my Daughter in 2020, my heart is broken and filled with sadness, I feel the hurt and pain that your parents has endured,

Rest Peacefully God's Angel

Shawnita A Resper

Other

April 13, 2023

I Will Always Remember You, Your Friends
Teachers & Principal At Sandy Hook
Rest IN Peace Little Angel
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

April 12, 2023

I Really Missing Those Bear Hugs With You
I Love You SO MUCH
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

April 1, 2023

I Will Always Remember You,Your Friends And
Teachers & Principal At Sandy Hook Rest IN Peace IN Peace Little Angel
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

February 13, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

February 10, 2023

Dear Grace I Am SO SORRY This Happened To You
And Your Friends And Teachers At Sandy Hook
We Will Love You And Miss You Always
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

February 9, 2023

I Will Always Remember You,Your Friends
Teachers & Principal At Sandy Hook
Rest IN Peace Little Angel
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

February 6, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Resting Safely IN The Arms OF Jesus
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

February 5, 2023

To Grace´s Family
I Am SO SORRY For The Loss Of Daughter Grace I Remember Lynn Mc Donnell Speaking With CNN´S Anderson Cooper On Tuesday Night, She bravely Said: I Take Comfort That She´s With Friends, And She´s Up There With her Wonderful Principal
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

February 4, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

February 3, 2023

To Grace Family
I Am SO SORRY For The Loss OF Your Beautiful Daughter Grace That She´s With Friends And She´s Up There With Her Wonderful Principal We Will Love You And Miss You
AFFECTIONATELY AND SINCERELY
MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

MELINDA FAITH DURHAM

Friend

February 2, 2023

May the Lord bless you on this horrible day of remembrance. I think of your family all year round. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Ann Marie Curling

Other

December 14, 2021

To Grace´s Family

May Grace Surround Each Of You With Warmth From Her Rays Of Sunshine.... Heavenly Hugs To All...

A Mom Of An Angel

December 14, 2021

Grace, I may not have known you, but you have always been with me since the day your photo popped up on my computer screen automatically. You look like an angel living on earth alongside us mortals. I believe in visits from angel to family & friends, but I think I got mixed into that bunch. It has been a blessing even to this day. You are jsut a ray of sunshine. I will forever cherish that moment when I saw your smiling face. My Blessings to you and your family. Thank you Grace.

Lily

Significant Other

April 28, 2021

Grace looks so beautiful i know its late but god bless and feel better

My Name is Ariana

Significant Other

April 5, 2021

Ever in our thoughts and prayers.

Nicholas Paul Abbagliato

Friend

February 20, 2021

I was only 15 when I came home and learned of the shooting. Grace, rest in peace and god bless you. You won't be forgotten.

Amy

February 3, 2021

Grace & Family

Grace as you walk with the angels may you surround your family with your Rays of Sunshine.

Thinking of you

Heavenly hugs
A Mom of An Angel Cam

December 17, 2020

dear grace rest in peace god bless you and your family and friends

donna parkhurst

Friend

August 29, 2020

You've earned your angel wings for eternity...

Alex

March 9, 2020

Hi grace.
Alexander

February 7, 2020

HOPE YOU DANCE!!

Nickie Thurman

January 9, 2020

You won't be forgotten, Grace.

Newtown endured such great tragedy in 2012, that it changed the community. The citizens might have felt what Littleton, Colorado lived through with the Columbine shooting. Even Virginia Tech or NYC after 9/11.

Alex

December 28, 2019

At my Church on 12/16/2012 our priest asked us, Who will pray for one of the Sandy Hook children everyday for the rest of your life? I said me to myself and havent missed a day yet, of course you know by now!

Robert Lee

Friend

December 14, 2019

It's been 7 years, but I remember. Blessings ...

Wilma Dibelka

December 14, 2019

Hey sweetie,
Its unbelievably sad that you died at Sandy Hook elementary. I feel lots of sorrow over it, but you rose into a better place.
My condolences to your whole family and the many friends who miss you to this day.

Alex

October 5, 2019

A grieving father of a special daughter like you came to Heaven to see you both. Must have been a very happy reunion. Rest in eternal peace!

Robert Lee

Friend

March 25, 2019

Just wanted to say you have not been forgotten.

Robert Lee

Friend

March 24, 2019

Another sad anniversary but truly more celebratory as you continue to live in eternal peace and joy. I continue to pray for you daily and your family. As you probably know, March 15 of this past year my sister Maria is another new resident in Heaven. Tell her we love and miss her.

Robert Lee

Friend

December 14, 2018

October 28, 2018

In the loving memory of Grace. May God wrap his loving arms around you , your family , and friends. I know you are in Heaven as a beautiful and sweet angel. Keep watching over your parents and give them a big hug. Let them know that you are at peace and comfort them if you can. Grace, you will always be remembered.

Amy Borowski-Daniel

October 14, 2018

July 16, 2018

June 17, 2018

I hope you find peace in knowing that Grace is in a beautiful place full of everything she loves. There is no pain or sadness, just joy. She will forever be in our hearts and thoughts. We have lost a beautiful child, but in return God gained a lovely angel. Always in my thoughts........

Jeffrey Brothers

Friend

May 13, 2018

April 6, 2018

Happy Easter Grace

Kailaunei Tripp

March 24, 2018

Hello I'm 10 my school just had a threat John R King performed and arts school. I wish that its was me that had died not her. In sorry for you lost

KaiLaunei Tripp

March 24, 2018

March 13, 2018

What a beautiful girl. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I wish you all continued prayers, love and peace

Tammi Decker

February 21, 2018

February 4, 2018

On that day, that most tragic day many lives changed. It really was a new reality for this country.
I hope that this beautiful child is painting in heaven and has waves of water to play in.
Thursday December 14th, 2017

Mary J.

December 14, 2017

Five years ago, you entered the Gates of your eternal reward. You will never stop being an inspiration to my faith.

Robert Lee

December 14, 2017

December 6, 2017

November 8, 2017

Happy birthday in heaven sweet beautiful angel! I love you!!

Ana Domingues

November 5, 2017

November 3, 2017

October 25, 2017

October 17, 2017

Grace, as you know there are 59 souls who have entered Heaven by surprise. Please care of them. Bless you.

Bob Lee

October 3, 2017

In passing through this beautiful area we came across the little beach area and the playground in memory of Grace. While my 2 children played and had fun in the beautiful warm sun I cannot help but think that this beautiful little girl was smiling down from heaven. We will take your advice and try to do our best to " live gracefully "

Stacy

September 14, 2017

August 20, 2017

I'm passing through CT and thinking about Grace. This unfortunate tragedy struck me very hard. I know she's watching from above - just like an angel. Rest In Peace little angel. You'll never be forgotten.

Margo Potter

July 28, 2017

PRETTY ANGEL........PRAYERS

Valenda Newell

June 20, 2017

God Bless You Grace.

The Ritschel Family

June 14, 2017

Just want you to know that Grace and the others will NEVER be forgotten by those of us who were heart-broken by 12/14/12. I think about Grace every day and pray that somehow your lives have been able to go on, knowing that she lives in God's most caring love. It will never make sense, but we know that someday it will all be explained and will not have the pain that it has here on Earth. Hope you are all doing as well as you are able. You are loved.

May 13, 2017

omg im so sorry for you grace :( P.S we love you
P.S.S We are 9

Litte Ella and Little Ellie

May 5, 2017

Grace may you remain in gods loving arms forever.

Brian

May 1, 2017

thinking of you grace ,love jimmy

April 25, 2017

Love you Gracie!!!

Ana Domingues

April 18, 2017

happy easter grace ,love you

jimmy

April 12, 2017

janelle eyong

March 21, 2017

Your spirit will always shine brightly for us to see.

Alex Pendjurin

March 6, 2017

It was exactly a year ago that I last posted a note to you, but I pray for you and you family everyday.

Robert Lee

March 4, 2017

Your spirit lives on permanently, so should this guest book be permanently. I have never forgotten such a beautiful child that suddenly left this earth too young. I know she is alive being protected by our savior until her earthly family unites with her at another time.

Teri Williams

January 12, 2017

merry xmass

james havens

December 16, 2016

Grace, today I watched your loving parents share some of their fond, beautiful memories you left with them. Your are a shining light to many you never met. Bless you and your spirit.

Doug Mielke

December 14, 2016

happy birthday to you grace ,love jimmy

james havens

November 4, 2016

My sweet beautiful angel, wishing you a happy birthday in heaven!!! Love you and will never forget you! XOXO

Ana Domingues

November 4, 2016

Happy Birthday, Grace

November 4, 2016

love you grace ,jimmy

jimmy havens

October 18, 2016

went and saw the play wizard of OZ ,was thinking of you ,love jimmy

jimmy havens

September 6, 2016

lolly pops for you grace ,from my heart to yours ,love always jimmy

jimmy havens

August 3, 2016

Love you Gracie, always and forever!

Ana Domingues

June 14, 2016

Aww that one dimple.Makes me smile every time i see your beautiful face .PERFECTION.

Tracey Laing

June 9, 2016

grace you are always on my mind ,love you jimmy

jimmy

June 8, 2016

love jimmy

jimmy

April 12, 2016

happy easter grace ,love jimmy

jimmy

March 23, 2016

R.I.P. Grace, fly high in Heaven. May God bless your family.

Carole Ann Davis

March 5, 2016

Still have not forgotten you. I pray for you daily that you are enjoying eternal rest and your family is doing well.

Robert Lee

March 4, 2016

happy valentines day miss grace,love you jimmy

jimmy

February 9, 2016

Love you Gracie

Ana Domingues

January 19, 2016

always thinking of you grace ,love jimmy

jimmy

January 16, 2016

R.i.p grace 3 years since I made it out and you didn't I'm thinking of your family and how you and I would have still been best friends now I miss you so much and now that I've lost my best friend I don't know what to do thinking of you all the time love you Gracie

December 19, 2015

RIP Grace, I think of you and the others quite often, May God continue to Bless you and your Family.

Shawnita Resper

December 19, 2015

Beautiful girl.

Tracey Laing

December 18, 2015

grace mcdonnell wishing you and your family a merry xmas ,love you jimmy

jimmy

December 17, 2015

Merry Christmas sweet angel I know you and my libby are having a wonderful Christmas with Jesus again this year and playing on heavens play ground together with all the other beautiful little angels.

Donna Palenschat

December 16, 2015

Love you much always and forever!

Ana Domingues

December 15, 2015

Rest in peace. You truly are an angel and will never be forgotten!

December 14, 2015

I vowed three years ago not to let a day pass and not pray for you. Help us here on earth who want to share your Heavenly rewards.

Robert Lee

December 14, 2015

R.I.P. Grace, and may God continue to bless your family.

Carole Ann Davis

December 14, 2015

bella

December 13, 2015

love you jimmy

jimmy

November 24, 2015

happy birthday to a very sweet girl, love you grace jimmy

jimmy

November 4, 2015

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