Grace Evangeline Peel

Grace Evangeline (Pahoundis) Peel passed from this earth on 15 September 2024 in Draper, Utah at the age of 91 years. She was born to Elijah Gorgiou and Mary Naomi (Oren) Pahoundis in Akron, Ohio on 15 May 1933. Grace was the fifth of seven children to this union. Grace’s father died in 1938. She had two step-fathers, Steve J Mathios (who added a daughter to the family) and Roger L Davis. Grace’s childhood was difficult. At age 17, she went to live with one of her older brothers, David, to complete High School. Grace was in the Killbuck High School Class of 1951.

After high school, Grace returned to Akron to live with her older sister, Louise. They both joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1952. Shortly after, Grace met the love of her life, Robert Lloyd Peel. The two decided it would be best to marry in a temple. They traveled west, by Greyhound Bus and after several adventures, were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on 1 December 1954.

Grace has always been loving and kindhearted. She held various church positions, many related to music. She deeply loved her siblings and their children. She would do everything she could for her nieces and nephews. Everyone loved “Aunt Grace”.

Through their life together, Bob and Grace raised 5 children. The first four children came quickly. One son, then three daughters within the span of four years and 2 months. This young, large family was quite a handful for Grace. Just when things were changing, with all the children now teenagers, at the age of 41, Grace gave birth to her fifth child, a son. This experience gave Grace a fresh look at life and the joys of supporting eager young minds. From 1977 to 1988 Grace ran a private day-care and school, Peel Academy, in Akron.

In 1986, Bob suffered a significant heart attack. His health seemed to always be challenging after that. In 1988, Bob went to Utah to help with newborn twin grandchildren. Here, Bob’s health improved and remained very stable. Bob went to Arizona to spend time with their daughter there. Soon Grace realized it was time to close her business, sell their properties, and join Bob in Arizona. They never looked east again.

Here, Grace’s kind spirit continued to flourish. Their home was a boarding house for students from the nearby college for many years. They spent time working in the Mesa Temple. Bob suffered a stroke in early 2003 and passed away 30 days later.

Grace continued on, all the while helping others along the way. Grace lived independently until 2020. After the untimely death of a daughter, Grace moved to Utah to be closer to three of her children living in the Salt Lake Valley. Her oldest son continues living in Ohio. By Grace’s 90th birthday it was apparent she was developing dementia. Grace was well cared for by her two daughters to the end.

Grace leaves behind her sons, Gregory R (Karen) Peel, Jeffrey L (Jeanine) Peel, daughters, Renee (Lamont) Christensen and Doreen Peel. Grace was preceded in death by her husband Bob, and daughter, Crystaline with son-in-law, Milton T Aul.

Grace leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Grace will be laid to rest with her husband at Valley of the Sun Cemetery in Chandler, AZ with a graveside service at 1130AM on 28 September 2024.