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Grace Hester Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Grace Hester
James Herndon
July 21, 2009
Claire, when you invited me over for dinner with your family that first time, I was so nervous. Aside from the fact that your father had been a professor of mine who I admired (Dr. Hester, I was terrified that you were going to ask me specific questions about Edmund Spenser that I wouldn’t be able to answer), I’d never met your mother, and I didn’t know how she’d react to me at all. When I arrived, your dad was his amicable self, and your mom was calm, polite, and sweet. I was a vegetarian at the time, something that should have been made clear before I came over, but I flubbed somewhere – and when my plate of chicken was served, there was an awkward moment where I tried to explain my eating habits through mumbles. I remember your mom calmly (and in mid-conversation, very smooth) switching out my plate for another one as she began asking me about why I was a vegetarian, not at all accusingly but with genuine interest. She was so composed and unruffled that I instinctively relaxed. Her small, hospitable gesture made an impact, and I felt good for the rest of the evening.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. May you both find peace.
Carlene Massarani
July 17, 2009
Dr. Hester and Claire,
We are so sorry for your loss. Grace was a beautiful person and I know will live on thru you both.
Regards
Ghias and Carlene Massarani (Nisha's parents)
sharon cooke
July 2, 2009
Dr. Hester, Much that I know about the true nature of love I learned through poetry in your presence. I rejoice that you were able to know true love for such a long time and I feel pain that you must now grieve its tragic loss.
The true nature of love is eternal. You and John Donne taught me that. May it sustain you now. Your faithful student, Sharon Cooke
Robin Reid
June 26, 2009
Dear Tom,
I was sorry to learn of Grace's difficult battle and inspired by her beautiful relationships. My prayers are with you.
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June 24, 2009
Dear Tom and Claire -- Grace always seemed so beautiful to me and so mysterious in a graceful way. I always hoped to get to know her better and now it is too late. I will share with you a dear memory I have though. When our two year old son, Gregory died, Grace appeared in our kitchen and quietly and lovingly cleaned his high chair and then his toys and so respectfully, wrapped each one, then brought each one to the attic to store. In my foggy state, that made a lasting impression on me and I thought of it each time I saw her, with love and deep gratitude. How deep the pain to lose one you love in such a wrenching way. We are so sorry.... Ann and Shep Smith
Liz Lawrence
June 24, 2009
Dear Tom,
I remember countless lectures at NC State where Grace would figure as the muse--or necessary voice of reason-- for one of your more whimsical theories. Seeing the two of you walking in the neighborhood would evoke those times for me when I knew her before I actually knew her. I hope such funny, endearing anecdotes as you related--and many more--will continue to be a source of joy for you in this sad time. My sympathy goes out to you and Claire.
Jean Meyer
June 24, 2009
Tom & Claire,
We are so sorry to hear of Grace's passing. I will miss seeing her jogging in the neighborhood and always giving a friendly wave. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jean, Blaine, Kiera & Haley Meyer (Fern Creek Court)
Kathy Seidel
June 24, 2009
Dear Tom, It has been many years since we have met, but I remember with fondness Grace's friendship during the time our daughters were young. My deepest sympathy.
June 23, 2009
Dr. Hester,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Claire are in my thoughts and prayers. Rhonda Webb
Brandi (Holcomb) Groft
June 23, 2009
Claire and Tom,
I am so sorry for this striking loss. My heart goes out to you both! It's been many years since I've seen Grace, of course, but what I remember was that she embodied pure classiness. What wonderful memories you both have, for the many, many years you've enjoyed together. I hope these memories can help mitigate the pain at least a little. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Sara and Adam Brinson
June 23, 2009
Dear Claire and Tom,
I know Grace mainly as "Claire's mom." I truly wish I could have known her better. It is not much of a comfort, but she lives on in both of you and in all those whose lives she touched. I know that she was able to pass on her good character and devotion to her family to Claire, who is such a wonderful person. I couldn't ask for a better friend. I know that she couldn't have asked for a better mother.
I am so sorry that you didn't have more time with her.
Sincerely,
Sara Noffsinger Brinson
Rachel Hsueh
June 23, 2009
Grace is the most wonderful person I have met. She had volunteered to teach me English for 5 years. I can always share everything with Grace and she would give me the most of helps.
Grace is not only my teacher, but also my best friend and my second mother, that's how she is in my mind. I will remember Grace with her kindness and gracious Spirit.
Donald Dickson
June 23, 2009
Dear Tom,
Jayn and I were both very sorry to learn of your family's great loss. Please accept our condolences.
The Dicksons
June 23, 2009
Dear Tom
I am so sorry to here about Grace, you and Claire are in my thoughts and prayers. Geri Rodevick
Ernest Sullivan
June 22, 2009
Dear Tom and Claire,
As you both know, I knew Grace largely through her metaphysical efforts to conjure Tom up out of his meditational darkness so that he could answer my silly questions in a way that I could understand. Even so, I do have some acquaintance with the chronic pain you are both beginning to endure: it never goes away, and it never gets better, but one does get used to it. I wish you all the strength in the world to get used to it. I wish I could be more cheerful, but I know what Grace meant to you both, so I realize that any cheer on my part would just add to your pain.
Take care.
Ernie Sullivan
June 22, 2009
I'll remember Grace for her gentleness and gracious Spirit. I know she touched so many lives and encouraged others to grow into their own by her example.
Blessings and love to you all,
Kathleen Townsend
Gail Simmons
June 22, 2009
Dear Tom & Claire, please accept our deepest sympathies. We were so shocked to learn of Grace's death. We'll always have fond memories. May the Lord's peace be with you now and in the days to come. Gail and Dolan Simmons
Phyllis Chan
June 22, 2009
Dear Tom & Claire,
We are deeply sorry about Grace's passing!
We hope that you both can find strength in each other to get through this difficult time.
Her life was cut way too short by this illness and we truely miss her.
Grace, Phyllis & Jeremy
Claire Hester
June 22, 2009
Please feel free to express any remembrances or thoughts you'd like to share about Grace or for the family. We'd love to read them.
-Claire
Bill Shaw
June 22, 2009
Dear Tom, I am very sorry to hear about Grace's passing. I know it is a terrible blow to you and your family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Your friend, Bill Shaw
Kathleen Volandt
June 22, 2009
We were very blessed to know Grace, an incredible friend, wife, mother, and an all around delightful person. God has welcomed a dear soul home.
You will be missed. Kat and Steve Volandt
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