NEW BREMEN - Grace B. Stoffel, age 88, formerly of Martinsburg, died Friday, July 21, 2017, at Lewis County General Hospital. Mrs. Stoffel was born December 23, 1928, in Watertown, to the late Carl Edwin and Anna Beatrice Welsh Wilson. Grace was brought up as an only child by foster parents, Maurice and Anna Mahar, after the death of her father. She graduated from Lowville Free Academy and Oswego College, receiving her teaching certificate. Grace taught in a one-room schoolhouse on the Flat Rock Road and in the winter months walked in snowshoes to school in order to start the fire before the bell rang. She married Richard G. Stoffel on May 29, 1952, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Msgr. John A. Cotter officiating. Grace and Richard took over the Mahar family farm in Martinsburg for several years before moving to the town of Martinsburg where they raised their family. Richard died on February 21, 1992.
For a short time, Grace worked for the ARC. She received many Blue Ribbons from the Lewis County Fair for her artistic drawings and paintings, she enjoyed reading, loved nature, feeding the birds and tending to her flower gardens; “flowers feed the soul” was her favorite quote. Grace also loved to sing and play the piano and these interests have been passed down to her children and grandchildren. The cookie jar in her home was always a treat for neighborhood children and adults alike.
Her Christian faith was truly important to her; she was an inspiration to her family and all who knew her because of her perseverance despite tragedy in her life.
She is survived by eight daughters: Anne & Robert Cumella of Larchmont, Mary Humphrey of Watertown, Laurie & Bert Burnham of Watertown, Robin & Dave Engel of Lima, Gayla & David Ortlieb of Martinsburg, Theresa & Frank Born of Rome, Shirley Rice and Eileen & Tim Greenwood of Lowville, and one son, Mike Stoffel of Watertown; 33 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Grace was predeceased by four sons, Timothy, Richard Jr., David and Anthony; and her step-father Donnie Streicher.
Mrs. Stoffel was a communicant of St. Stephen’s Church, Croghan, where all are welcome to attend her funeral mass on Monday, July 24, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Donald Manfred, pastor officiating. Burial will follow in Lowville Rural Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Grace’s name to: FOOD FOR THE POOR or to St. Stephen’s Restoration Fund.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at: www.sundquistfh.com.