Grace Geraldine Cleary

Grace Geraldine Cleary, born February 22, 1941, in Lowell, Vermont, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, just two days after celebrating her 85th birthday.

Grace was the beloved daughter of Leland and Irene Sheltra. She was the last surviving child of fifteen siblings. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters: Wilfred, Raymond, Alfred, Hilda, Louise, Isabelle, Glenna, Barbara, Veronica, Kenneth, Marilyn, Francis, Diana, and Janice. Growing up in such a large family shaped her deep sense of loyalty, resilience, and love of togetherness.

In 1959, Grace married Roy Cleary. They later divorced in 1974, and Grace remained unmarried for the rest of her life, devoting herself to her children.

Grace was the proud mother of seven children. She was predeceased by three of her children: Michael, Gary, and Karen. She is survived by her children Robert, Brian, Sharon, and Francis. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law James Tourangeau Jr. Her family continued to grow through the generations, and she leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

For most of her life, Grace loved playing cards. In fact, for the past 50 years, she most likely never missed a day of playing. Her favorite game was five-card no peek poker - and it was never quite as fun unless you were playing for $1.00 a game. Many memories were made around her card table, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and her unmistakable spark. Grace was also an avid bingo player for many, many years.

Growing up, in addition to teaching her children how to play cards, Grace cherished time spent outdoors with them. She took them fishing and swimming in Eden Lake, creating simple but treasured memories filled with sunshine, laughter, and togetherness.

In the last ten years of her life, Grace's eyesight steadily diminished until she was nearly blind at the time of her passing. Yet even as her vision faded, her spirit remained strong. She continued to enjoy the simple pleasure of company and conversation and loved receiving visitors at any time - especially if they were card players ready to sit down for a hand or two.

Since her children can remember, Grace always told everyone to "drive careful" as they left her home - a simple phrase that reflected her constant love and concern for those she cared about.

Grace was known as a "fun Mom." Though often quiet and reserved around strangers, those who truly knew her experienced her outspoken and candid nature. She was honest, direct, and never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. Her straightforward spirit and sense of humor made her deeply loved and unforgettable.

Grace's life was built on family, laughter, and the joy of gathering around a table. She will be remembered for her strength, her resilience, her love of cards, and the warmth she shared so generously.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 2-3:30 pm, followed by a service from 3:30 to 4pm at the Lamoille Funeral Home, 853 Brooklyn St, Morrisville, VT.