Grace Edith Ryerson

1929 - 2026

Ryerson, Grace Edith, 96, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026. Born October 10, 1929, in Brooklyn, NY, she moved to Highland, NY as a child where her father established the Cherry Hill Tavern restaurant and filling station. At age 13, she met her future husband, Charlie, at a high school basketball game between fierce competitors Highland and Marlboro. (Highland was victorious!). Grace attended Fredonia State Teachers college and SUNY New Paltz, graduating with a degree in Education. In 1951, Grace married Charlie, and they eventually settled across the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie. She taught for many years at James Evans Elementary School and happily retired in 1988. Grace was a long-time member of both First Presbyterian Church, Wappingers Falls and Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Tucson and sang in both choirs. She was a charter member of the Camerata Chorale in Poughkeepsie and once performed with the group at Carnegie Hall. Always avid RVers, Grace and Charlie spent countless vacations towing an assortment of travel trailers all over the US. After retirement they embarked on the "snowbird" life, spending winters in Tucson, AZ where they settled permanently in 2012. Grace was preceded in death by her husband Charles; parents, John and Mae Brucklacher; brother, Robert Brucklacher; in-laws, Walter and Annette Ryerson; and great-granddaughter, Lilliana Ryerson. She is survived by her children, Nancy Vanderlee (John), Jane Ryerson-Cooper (Mike), and David Ryerson (JerryAnn); grandchildren, Heidi Vanderlee, Jet Vanderlee, Richard Ryerson (Kayla), Rebekah Thompson (Christopher), Nicole Helton (John), niece Roberta Jargow (Scott); second cousins the Rev. Steve Schunk (Doug ), Catherine M. Schunk (Michael), Philip W. Schunk, Jr. (Tracy), Peter Schunk (Janice); great-grandchildren, Ethan, Raymond, Ashleigh, Caleb, Linkin, Richard Charles,Jr., and Cemi; and "adopted daughter", Cheryl Evanoff. Mom spent her last 2.5 years at Broadway Proper and made many friends there, especially staff members. She loved to laugh and to make others laugh, and she was an avid Wildcats Basketball fan. Mostly, she was well-loved by all who knew her. Goodbye, Mom. We miss you already. A Celebration of Life will be held at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 9252 E. 22nd St., Tucson, Az. 85710 at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hermitage Cat Shelter, the Humane Society, or PAAC, Tucson are welcome, as well as Cappella Festiva, Poughkeepsie (cappellafestiva.org). Arrangement by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel