Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1924
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
GRACE CORRIGAN Obituary
After graduating from high school, Grace attended art school in New York City, where she honed her skills as an accomplished artist. She loved to paint, and her Framingham home was adorned with her works of art. After raising her five children, Grace enrolled at Framingham State College, graduating in four years with a B.A. in Education.
She was a special person, with a verve for life and unbounded energy. She loved gardening and spent countless hours in her beloved rock garden under the American flag. She was generous with her time, taking active roles in the Girl Scouts, the Framingham Garden Club, and the PTA. An animal lover, she made sure the Corrigan household had at least one, but generally multiple dogs and cats.
Grace was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all. Grace is survived by her two sons, Christopher of Framingham and Stephen & his wife Anne of CA, two daughters, Lisa Bristol & her husband Robert of Sterling and Elizabeth & her partner Gudrun of CA, her son-in-law Steven McAuliffe of NH; nine grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Edward C. Corrigan; her brother Stephen George; and her daughter, Christa McAuliffe, who died in the space shuttle Challenger accident on January 28, 1986.
Following the Challenger tragedy, for many years Grace carried on Christa's message of the importance of education, traveling throughout the country as the keynote speaker at Challenger Centers, Space Camps, and elementary and high schools - many bearing Christa's name. Christa's message was also shared through the book, A Journal for Christa, authored by Grace.
Family and friends will honor and remember Grace's life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St., FRAMINGHAM on Sunday, November 11th from 1-5 P.M. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday morning in St. George Church, 74 School St., Saxonville, at 10 o'clock. Interment will be private.
Remembrances may be made, in Grace's name, to: Buddy Dog Humane Society, 151 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776, www.buddydoghs.com/ donate. For directions and online tributes, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GRACE CORRIGAN
Jeffrey Don
August 2, 2025
I do wish i had Christa's autograph. It is something that was never fulfilled in my life....
Jeffrey Don
July 27, 2025
I had the honor of speaking to her many times on the phone. She was always so gracious with her time with me asking questions no matter what the time of day was.
She sent me photos of Christa that she signed, Challenger learning center patches, and handwritten letters that i cherish always. May she live on in the memory of others. Unfortunately i never received Christa's autograph when i mailed her a letter as a child before the Challenger mission....that is something i regretted for many years.
Jeffrey Don
John Hitchen
August 23, 2024
May God bless you Grace for your fortitude in very
trying circumstances in 1986 and onwards.
anthony flynn
September 12, 2020
On the anniversary of the passing of her beloved daughter Christa , I wrote to Grace along with all the boys from my class here in Dublin with cards of sympathy and letters to convey our condolences on her loss. It was a large package and I addressed it to Christa's school . It finally found it's way to Grace and she wrote back immediately and often from then on. She sent a copy of her book that she had written about Christa and a large photo of her too signed by Grace. It still stands in my class. She was a beautiful soul and Christa was a mirror reflection of all of the goodness that her mom possessed. Kind and giving , the boys took to her letters as if she was related to them. We have seen many clips for documentary films where she spoke at length and it is clear that the world was a better place for her being in it. RIP Grace , you will not be forgotten in my class or my school .
Anthony O Flynn
St Joseph's BNS
Terenure Road East
Dublin
Ireland
Always Reaching for the Stars
Carl Ladd
September 19, 2019
I was so sorry to hear of Grace's passing. Over 30 years ago, educators in New Hampshire started the Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference. This annual conference brings together teachers, techies, administrators, and students from New Hampshire and New England to share Christa's passion for teaching, technology and transforming education. It was one of the honors of my life to have met Grace and to have a small part in keeping Christa's memory and passion for learning alive and well in our great state.
Scott Cutting Jr
July 28, 2019
Just was made aware of her passing. I worked for 12 years at McAuliffe Elementary in Riverside, CA In 1996 I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Corrigan at talked with her for an hour or so and she was very intelligent and enlightening she and her life were as interesting as her daughter's. She also shared some great stories about Christa and her grandkids. Glad I got to meet you and I still have the book you gave me some 23 years ago. I know she is missed and is Resting In Peace.
K. Bridgeforth Turner
May 10, 2019
As a child eyewitness to Challenger, I was deeply impacted by Christa McAuliffe's life. In college, Mrs. Corrigan and I corresponded by mail. I can't express how much it meant. Years later when my second child was born and named after Christa, I received a kind congratulatory letter; my daughter (now 16) received a letter as well. She holds it dear.
Rest easy, Mrs. Corrigan. I have faith you were welcomed home by your loved ones, finally reunited.
Ian McMaster
March 24, 2019
Thanks for returning my book through the mail-personally inscribed! A highlight of my trip to the area in '06 was talking to you on the phone. It's a pity that we never met. On a sad note, you died exactly one week before my mother, who was 82. Rest in peace and say hello to Christa for me:-)
Amy Ward
January 24, 2019
I just learned this exceptional woman passed away. I never met her or her family, but her daughter has been my inspiration since I was 9 years old! As a teenager, I wrote Grace a letter, expressing how much Christa and her legacy meant to me. This amazing lady took the time to write me a lovely letter back, and included a picture of Christa. It meant so much to me then and I will treasure it always! When I found out she had written a book, I immediately ordered it and read it in one sitting. You brought Christa's story to a new generation and continued to fulfill her legacy. I can imagine the joyous reunion you had with her in heaven, Rest In Peace.
Juliana Jarvis
December 30, 2018
Grace came to speak to a group of students at our school. She was a kind, classy lady. May her memory be eternal!
R Bucknell
November 25, 2018
Betsy and family,Very sorry to hear about your Mom. An inspiration and one of the most diligent, kind, and compassionate people I have had the pleasure to know. Thoughts and prayers, Reena
Artie Goldman
November 19, 2018
Steve and Siblings.. So very sorry to learn of the passing of your Mom.. She was a wonderful woman and was always kind and thoughtful..May she rest in peace.. Artie Goldman
Your neighbor..
November 17, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Corrigan family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day.
- Psalms 145:18,19
Mark and Shaye Sheehan
November 16, 2018
Very Sorry to hear of Grace's passing.
To her children and extended family please accept our sincere condolences.
Ruth Cosby Driscoll
November 15, 2018
Our family is very sad for your great loss. My mother especially appreciated her friendship with Grace. May Grace's soul be at rest in the loving arms of her Lord! And may we meet again soon! <3 We will pray for Grace and for all of your family.
Suzann Duvall Stone
November 13, 2018
Kit, Steve, Lisa and Betsy, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Your mom was such a totally amazing lady. I have so many great memories of our families growing up together and one of my favorites is spending Christmas Eve at the Corrigan house well your dad made homemade spaghetti and meatballs for all of us. The saddest memory was the week my three children and I spent down in Florida with your family just before the Challenger explosion. my love, heart, and prayers go out to your entire family.
Love and Prayers, Suzanne Duvall Stone
Kathy O'Connor
November 13, 2018
I have the fondest memories of Aunt Grace and all the Corrigan's from many years ago living in Framingham in the same neighborhood spending time together.. Christa and I especially ....I'm sending thoughts and prayers to all of you.. my mom Aunt Betty passed in March at the age of 91.., now all of them , Ed and Bob, are together again...I have no addresses so this will have to do .. I hope everyone is well .. with love.. Kathy O'Connor
Lorraine Butler
November 12, 2018
I don't know you I'm so sorry too hear about your mother passing she is now resting in peace with her husband and daughter you are all in my prays always remember the good times you had with her
Cyndi Dunlap
November 12, 2018
On behalf of the Christa McAuliffe Transforming, Teaching, & Technology Conference (CMTC), we send our deepest condolences to the family of Grace Corrigan. As the 32nd annual CMTC approaches at the end of the month, we will continue to honor the work and legacy of Christa that Grace spent so much of her passion and energy to maintain. We were honored to have Grace speak at our conference for many years, may she rest in eternal peace. Cyndi Dunlap, CMTC Co-chair
Pam Peterson
November 12, 2018
I love you sweet Grace! You have now joined the other angels in Heaven and can guide us who love you so! Pam Peterson
Judith Kalaora
November 11, 2018
Grace's honesty and loving kindness inspired me to tell Christa's story in a way that would not only make Christa happy, but would also make Grace and the entire Corrigan and McAuliffe Families proud. A Journal for Christa was so much more than a novel; it was my bible for boundless loving kindness and made me feel I really knew Christa. I felt I had the same connection to Christa that I had with my own Mother and it was undeniably and undoubtedly Grace's writings that allowed that understanding and familiarity to evolve. I love telling Christa's story because, in doing so, I aim to do her entire family a service and have been proudly performing since 2016 to highlight the accomplishments of this phenomenal family. All my love to the George, Corrigan, and McAuliffe Families. I know I've only briefly met some of you, yet you have all made a profound impact on my life and on my world as a living historian. -Judith Kalaora, writer and performer of Challenger: Soaring with Christa McAuliffe, History At Play
JoAnn Bafaro
November 10, 2018
Grace, and the family, have been a part of my life since I was three. She was there when I received my THANKS BADGE for Girl Scouts, and so many other things. Her smile, her hugs, her many words of wisdom, as well as her visits and all the times together will never be forgotten. May you all find peace in the memories and love. Blessings and peace my friends, Jo-Ann
Sheryl Sotelo
November 10, 2018
I was so lucky to meet you and spend time with you. You inspired so many people. ❤
Grateful American
November 10, 2018
God rest your soul Mrs. Corrigan.
Your bravery and dignity is something I could never match.
Thank you for sharing your brave daughters and sons with us.
Jennifer Bellinger
November 9, 2018
I had the honor of meeting Grace in 2006. My aunt Sheryn worked with her at the Challenger Learning Center in Framingham. I came to visit from St. Louis and Sher took me to Grace's home and we had tea. I remember Grace giving me a tour of their home, seeing the family pictures on the walls, and the room of Christa memorabilia. She proudly told me of all the schools around the world bearing Christa's name. I was so proud to work at the Challenger Learning Center in St. Louis, and getting to meet her was truly a highlight of my life.
My heart breaks for her children and grandchildren as I know how much they love her.
The world is slightly darker now without her bright smile, sweet disposition and bravery to carry her daughter's mission on. But she is with Ed and Christa now. And that makes me smile, just a little.
Janice Heinrich
November 9, 2018
Grace's joy for life will be remembered. I can her her squeal of delight when she spotted beluga whale in Turnagain Arm during her visit to Alaska! Ed yelled grab her arm she will jump right in with them! I think he was right!
Rest In Peace sweet lady!
Buehler Challenger & Science Center Kathie Klein
November 9, 2018
You will be remembered by all the many Challenger Centers for your dedication and love of education.
Buehler Challenger & Science Center
Kim
November 9, 2018
I did not know Grace, but I know Challenger Centers. As a Mission Commander myself, I can say that hers and her daughters message still rings true today. The world has lost a great light. So sorry for your loss.
Lewis
November 9, 2018
I knew Grace from countryside nursing home.She was friendly with my mom at countryside. I got to know her from sitting on the front porch in the summer of 2018 and she was very nice.So sorry for your loss.
Melanie Vickers
November 9, 2018
Grace was the heartbeat of keeping Christas mission alive. As a teacher-in-Space representative, I never got to meet her but felt like I knew Grace from all of her good works and messages. I miss her and the goodwill she spread wherever she traveled. She is with Christa and Ed.
Melanie Vickers, Charleston, West Virginia
November 9, 2018
❤❤
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in GRACE CORRIGAN's name
Memorial Events
for GRACE CORRIGAN
Nov
11
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home11 Lincoln St, Framingham, MA 01702
Funeral services provided by:
McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home11 Lincoln St, Framingham, MA 01702
How to support GRACE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor GRACE CORRIGAN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
