Grace DeMay

Grace DeMay, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away at the age of 97. Born on July 16, 1928, in Mather, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Mary and Nickolas Yateznick. Grace was the last surviving member of her 8 siblings, marking the end of a cherished generation for the Yateznick family.

A graduate of Brownsville High School, Grace was the wife of the late James DeMay. A woman of remarkable longevity and strength, she found great joy in her roles as a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Prior to her retirement, she worked as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone Company. During her tenure there, she was honored with the title of "Miss Voice," an award recognizing her exceptional job efficiency, courtesy, and pleasing telephone manner. Following her career, she remained connected to her colleagues through the Association of Bell Telephone Retirees Inc. and the Bell Telephone Pioneers.

Grace was a cornerstone of her community and a woman of deep commitment. She was a dedicated member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Saint James Parish, where she attended Mass every week when she was able and was a woman of frequent prayer.

She was also very active in the Washington Area Senior Citizens Center, where she shared her talents with the singing and dancing groups and enjoyed the camaraderie of the card club. With a lifelong passion for music, Grace enjoyed making playlists and frequently DJ'd for her friends at the center. She also spent many years serving others as a volunteer, delivering for Meals on Wheels. She especially enjoyed listening to the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé. Grace was an enthusiastic non-fiction reader who frequented the Citizens Library and found great pleasure in challenging herself with crossword puzzles.

Grace was a beautiful person inside and out. She accepted everyone as they were and never had a cross word to say about anyone. She met each day with her personal motto,

"I'm grateful and blessed."

Grace was blessed with many good friends throughout her long life. She is survived by her children, Sherry (Jim) Leckie and James A. (Jessica) DeMay. She was the proud grandmother of Kylie (John), Justin (Gina), Ryan (Jenna), Rachel, and Madeline, and the great-grandmother (GG) to Charley, Morgan, William, Leo, and Sadie. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. To those she loved, she was famous for always getting the last word in with her favorite phrase, "I love you more." Grace will be remembered for her 97 years of wisdom, her resilience, and the deep love she held for her family.

Following her wishes, services will be private. In lieu of attendance, the family suggests making a donation to the Washington Area Senior Citizens Center, Saint James Parish, or The Citizens Library.  All arrangements are entrusted to the care of the William G. Neal Funeral Home 925 Allison Ave. Washington PA