Grace Borstelmann

Grace Borstelmann, 91, of New Smyrna Beach, passed away on April 27, 2022, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Jersey City, on November 21, 1930, to Henry Hengartner and Cressensa Sladek. She grew up in West New York, NJ, where her father was a delegate for the Transportation Workers Union and mother a practicing Registered Nurse. The family moved to Dumont, NJ, where Grace met her lifelong friend, Joan (Downing) Benjamin at Dumont high school. After graduation Grace and Joan both got jobs at the same company in Manhattan. It is here where Grace met the love of her life, Robert, and they were married December 30, 1950. Robert was immediately drafted into the Army for two years. After his service, they moved into an apartment in Woodhaven, Queens, where they started their family having three children, Jan, Steven, & Gary.
In 1960 they moved to the suburbs of North Babylon and added "Jimboy". Her family of six was complete. Grace was an active mother in the community who taught Catechism, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, and President of North Babylon's Weeks Road School PTA. She had a beautiful signing voice and was a member of the St. Cyril's Church Choir. She was the mom that always drove everyone to Boy Scouts, Little League practice, and other school events. When her kids were grown, Grace decided to go back to work, tapping into her Dictaphone skills to become a valued secretary at Sullivan, Shugrue & Lucie Insurance in Farmingdale, NY.
In the early 1990's, Grace and Robert retired to New Smyrna Beach, FL. They loved to travel and took trips and cruises all over the world. At home, Grace was an avid reader and loved solving the daily crossword puzzle. She was an excellent cook and gardener, but it was at 5' o'clock every night, she and her "Robbie" would sit down to play their favorite card game, 500-Rummy. A tournament that continued for over 25 years!
Grace is survived by her four loving children: Jan and husband Charlie; Steve and husband Michael; Gary and wife Terri; and Jimmy; granddaughters Erin and husband Mathias; Tara and husband Michael; Kerrigrace and girlfriend Harriet; great grandchild Mathew; brother Charles and sister Alicia. Grace was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert (2017).
A memorial celebrating the life of this amazing women will take place at 7:00 pm on Monday, May 16, 2022, at The Greenwood Hall, 58 Greenwood Ave, East Islip, NY (631) 206-3700.