Grace Clemens, 102, was born in Lebanon, PA on Dec. 28, 1918, and died on April 6, 2021. She was the daughter of Calvin and Minnie Batdorf Kreider.
As a young girl, she enjoyed living on a farm and often entertained others with stories of that life. She attended Lebanon High School and graduated in 1936. She entered the work force as a seamstress and then married Wilson (Pat) Clemens. Together, they raised four children. She was patient and supportive to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a fierce advocate for them.
After many years as a stay-at-home mother, she returned to work as the secretary at Southwest Elementary School, a job which she loved. She and her family were faithful members of Salem EUB Church, now Covenant UMC. She was a member of the altar guild and a longtime member of the choir, serving as the alto soloist on many occasions.
Grace was an excellent seamstress and made most of her children’s clothing, including Halloween costumes, prom dresses, and even wedding gowns. She also enjoyed knitting scarves, socks, and dishcloths for anyone who requested them.
In her later years, Grace moved to Cornwall Manor, where she enjoyed reacquainting with former friends and making new ones. Grace was 102 years old and lived life to the fullest independently in her own apartment, playing the organ (though not in the afternoon, when the other residents were napping) and checking her Facebook and emails daily up until the last few weeks. She enjoyed playing Pinochle and working on jigsaw puzzles and word search puzzles. Her favorite game was Rummikub, and many of us have fond memories of marathon games with her. She was especially proud of the medals she won at the Senior Games at Cornwall Manor.
Grace was predeceased by her two sisters, her husband Wilson, and her daughter-in-law Jacquelyn.
She is survived by her children, Fred and his partner Eileen, Tom and his wife Debbie, Colleen Harris and her husband Loy, and Susan Busch and her husband Bob. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her niece Linda Rittle and her nephews Doug Clemens, Dennis Clemens, Barry Henning and Jan Henning.
A graveside service will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions, may be made to the Cornwall Manor Benevolence Fund, PO Box 125, Cornwall, PA 17016 or to the charity of one’s choice. A public memorial service will be held later in the summer. Grace was an amazing woman with a delightful sense of humor, and we feel so blessed to have had her in our lives. Even though she is no longer physically with us, our happy memories of her will keep her alive in our hearts. Rohland Funeral Home, Inc. is handling her arrangements. www.rohlandfh.com
