On Saturday, December 3, Grace Eiko Uyeki, suddenly and tragically passed away at the age of sixty-nine due to a traffic accident. Born to Noboru and Kaoruko Uyeki in Los Angeles, she was known to those around her as the sweet, helpful, and friendly Gracie. From an early age, she showed interest in the arts and humanities, practicing and perfecting playing the piano, drawing, and writing. She went on to graduate from UCLA with a BA in American literature. This led her to her career in technical writing which eventually took a back seat when she had her two kids, and they became a full time job of their own. After successfully shepherding her children to college, she returned to the workforce and started a new stage in her life. She picked up old hobbies, re-fortified existing, and never one to back down from a challenge, even began taking lessons in Japanese. She began drawing again, practicing piano, gardening, cooking, volunteering with her certified therapy dog at hospitals, and supporting and keeping up with the well-being of her kids and other close family members and friends. Her adventurous spirit also showed in her exploration and love of modern Japanese and Korean art, music, and television. Post-retirement she looked forward to traveling and spending more time with her loved ones and on her various hobbies. Her beautiful smile, compassionate nature, and undaunted determination will be cherished forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew her and loved her. She is survived by her son and daughter, Michael and Alisa Petrucci. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 4 p.m. at the intersection of Edgemoor and Midland Road. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead contribute to her Christmas list with a donation to Charity: Water.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Dec. 8, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Grace Uyeki

16 Entries

Alisa Petrucci

December 4, 2023

I love and miss you everyday

Daphne Alamillo

December 14, 2022

So sorry for this very sad loss. Condolences to her family. May she rest in peace. Sending love and prayers to her family.

Daphne

Gail Mora

December 14, 2022

I have known and loved Grace since we first met in 4th grade. We were blessed to be a part of a group of school friends who would gather together every year or so to catch up with each other's celebrations and important life events. Grace was sweet and full of joy...always showing a genuine interest in others. My most heartfelt condolences to her family.
Grace will be missed.

Chris Walsh

December 13, 2022

Sharing this photo of Grace and the Hologic team at the Hop Stop celebrating Grace's retirement.

Stephanie

December 12, 2022

Gracie grew up with my mom and has been a lifelong friend to the family. I never knew a more kind, gentle, and pure spirit than Gracie, and she will be missed but devoutly remembered for all my days. Rest is sweet peace, Gracie!

Diane. Phillips

December 11, 2022

So sorry for this very sad loss. Condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in piece

Adrian

December 9, 2022

It was an honor to know Grace. I have nothing but happy memories of her - her humor and her light. I'll always remember our talks of Golden State Warriors basketball and 11:11. A truly amazing person - you will be missed. Deepest condolences to her family and close friends.

Sarah

December 9, 2022

Grace, we will miss you walking in the neighborhood. I can't believe that it happened. It felt like a dream. It was a blessing knowing you even if it was just a brief time.

Sending love & prayers to the family.

Your neighbors, Duron & Baldovino Family

Chris Walsh

December 9, 2022

Grace was my mentor when I joined Hologic and I planned her retirement celebration leaving Hologic. She deserved more time. She was sweet, kind, passionate, fearless, and wise. I think about her almost every day. I worked closely with her on projects and always left each and every conversation with her a happier person.

I never met her children but through Grace's stories, I love them, and my heart goes out to them. I wish that I knew her longer so I would have more memories of her.

I can only hope to live in her example and spread her warmth.

Sujata

December 8, 2022

Grace was a great friend and a colleague. Very compassionate and kind, always full of life and energy and eager to explore new things. She would excitingly share things she came across and enjoyed - a new podcast, or a book, or a musical at the playhouse. She always spoke enthusiastically about her kids and her sweet Dill. It´s hard to believe and process that she is no longer with us. She will be dearly missed. May she rest in peace and may her family find strength in this difficult time.

David Bainum

December 8, 2022

Grace was such a special person to me - her gentle, soft-spoken sense of humor shines through some of my favorite memories of her. She had a kind and compassionate heart, and loved talking about her family and friends. She's a wonderful person that I'll dearly miss. Praying for strength and comfort for all who knew her.

Susan Panzieri Zito

December 8, 2022

Dear Grace, one of my dearest and longest friends. We met as freshmen in high school, 55 years ago. Although we lived in opposite ends of the state, Grace, myself and three other friends kept in touch and at the age of 40, we started to have girls weekends all over California. I will treasure those memories. The last time I saw Grace was this past July, when the first of us five girls celebrated her 70th birthday. I sat next to Grace at dinner and we caught up with other and laughed. We thought we´d be celebrating each other´s 70th birthdays through 2023, when Grace would have turned 70 on October 1st. I´m not sure that I´ve fully grasped that Grace is physically gone from us. Her infinite kindness, her thoughtfulness, her intelligence, and her love of her children and friends have left a hole in our hearts. I love you Grace and you´ll never be forgotten.

Mary Depner

December 8, 2022

Grace was an amazing woman and truly a beautiful soul. I am so grateful that I was fortunate to work with Grace and to call her a friend. My deepest sympathy to all who knew Grace and to her children whom she spoke of often. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Markel Farley

December 8, 2022

Grace treated me so nicely when I first met her through work. She went out her way to help me learn about processes I was not familiar with. She was genuinely great to be around. I made sure I was there when she retired. Her energy is something I try to reproduce in my personal life. I hope to impact others the same way she has. Sending my prayers.

My condolences.

Susan Kellett

December 7, 2022

Grace was such a kind and loving woman. She devoted her time to raising two wonderful children and was instrumental in advocating for a dog park in Scripps Ranch. She loved her sweet dogs. As scary as being an empty nester can be, Grace continued to challenge herself by getting involved in her community and learning new skills. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Bobby Horvath

December 6, 2022

Unbelievable that she was taken away. I always enjoyed talking with her. My condolences and prayers to you Vince and your son and daughter.

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