Grace E. T. Hess

Hess, Grace E. T. TROY Grace Eleanor Towne Hess, 97, died on November 8, 2008 at the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center in Troy, N.Y. Born in Williamstown, Mass. on June 5, 1911, she was the daughter of Salem Foster Towne and Sylvia Chittenden Towne. She graduated from Williams-town High School at the age of 16 and entered a five year program at Russell Sage College from which she earned a B.S. and a R.N. from Samaritan Hospital in 1932. She was the widow of RPI Professor Wendell Frederick Hess. Mrs. Hess was the nurse for the late Dr. Charles E. Bessey until his retirement from medical practice in 1992. After her retirement at the age of 81, she continued to keep in touch with numerous patients who had become friends. Until recent years, Mrs. Hess was an active member of Christ Church United Methodist (formerly Fifth Avenue State Street Methodist Church) in Troy since 1933. She also supported the Grafton Methodist Church which she attended during the summer months. She was a member of the Taconic Lake Association where the family has summered since 1945 and where she and her husband entertained family, colleagues, and friends, and enjoyed the outdoors, birds, and wildlife native to the area. Survivors include her daughter, Eleanor H. Kett (Joseph) of Charlottesville, Va., Frederick W. Hess (Martha) of Acton, Mass.; two daughters-in-law, Jane F. Hess of Chazy, N.Y. and Mary C. Hess of Acton; nine grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchild-ren. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by two sons, Wendell Towne Hess and John Richard Hess; two sisters and three brothers. The family expresses sincere appreciation to the nursing, administrative, and maintenance staffs at EMGC for the wonderful care and many kindnesses. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 1 p.m., at Christ Church United Methodist, 35 State Street, Troy. Memorial gifts may be sent to Christ Church United Methodist, 35 State St., Troy NY 12180. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.brycefh.com