Grace Deffer

Grace Deffer obituary, Great Barrington, MA

Grace Deffer

Grace Deffer Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home - Great Barrington on Jun. 19, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Grace Deffer, 86, of Fairview Terrace died on Wednesday, June 18,2025 at Kimball Farms. Born in Brooklyn, NY on May 6, 1939, daughter of James Rutherford and Mary Ridley, she attended Fonda-Fultonville High School in Fonda, NY. She moved to Great Barrington in 1964.
In the early years Grace was employed by Beech-Nut, Canajohaire, NY, New York Telephone Co and when she moved to Great Barrington she worked at Andrews Insurance company for 32 years. After retiring she worked for The First Congregational Church in Great Barrington and most recently she worked as a bookkeeper for a local doctor up until her 86th birthday.
She attended The First Congregational church in Great Barrington and enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, gardening, traveling and spending time with her extensive family. She belonged to the Red Hatters and the Thursday Morning Club.
Grace is survived by two sons, Scott Deffer of Beverly, MA, Barry Deffer of Great Barrington and Ronna Zigmand of Housatonic; a brother, William Rutherford of North Carolina. She also leaves a daughter-in-law, Paula (Scott) Deffer, a son-in-law, Karl Zigmand and six grandchildren, Andrew Deffer (Kathryn), Eric Deffer (Nicole) and Alison Dube (Matthew); Kyle and Ava Zigmand and TJ Brown. She also leaves her 9 great grandchildren: James, Jack & Harry Deffer (Andrew); Emersyn, Everett & Ethan Deffer (Eric); Thomas, Olive & Callum Dube (Alison).
She is predeceased by her husband, Ronald Deffer, her brother James Rutherford, her sister Mary Blenis, her sister Elizabeth Rutherford Wise and her parents.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 from 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 25th at 10:00 am at the funeral home in Great Barrington. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Grace may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital directly or c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to her family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home - Great Barrington

426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230

Make a Donation
in Grace Deffer's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Grace Deffer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign Grace Deffer's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?