Grace Ellen Larkin

She was born as Grace Ellen Delong in Gloversville, New York on September 25th, 1945. She spent her youth in Gloversville through her graduation from Gloversville High School in 1963. She then began her collegiate work at the State University of New York at Albany and earned her degree in English education from the State University of New York at Oneonta in 1967.

Grace Ellen Delong Larkin was defined by many roles: devoted mother and wife, beloved grandmother and great grandmother, caring teacher, dear friend, and colleague. Many knew and loved her as a high school English teacher at Oneonta High School. She was inspirational and supportive, and continued to lead and represent English education in the New York State English Council, of which she earned the presidential role in 1983, as well as the National Council of Teachers of English and the National Education Association. She was very active representing her peers in the Oneonta Teachers Association, in roles such as Negotiator, Vice President, and President. After retiring as a teacher in 2000, she continued to serve on the Oneonta City School District Board of Education, resulting in a total of 47 years of dedication to the Oneonta school system in a variety of positions. Her effort did not go unnoticed, as she was the recipient of many awards in her profession, such as the Oneonta Community in Action Certificate from the local chapter of the NAACP, as well as the 1995 Secondary Education Council Award for Exemplary Service. In the role of author, she published works such as the children’s book Packet Boat to Rome, a curriculum unit for the National Council of Teachers of English on Black American Literature, as well as an essay in Journal Writing in Oneonta Schools. Some may remember Grace for her roles in the theater. Within the Oneonta High School English Department theater program, she portrayed many colorful characters including the infamous Miss Hannigan. She continued her love of acting in her free time, as she was a member of community summer theater. She would remember her times in the plays with fondness.

Outside of her professional roles, Grace enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed quilting and painting. Moreover, her calendar in retirement was filled with social events such as lunches with dear friends, concerts, and cruises. In her travels, she loved to relax by the water with a book in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. She enjoyed attending cultural events such as the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown. Most of all, Grace enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, who adoringly called her Lovey. Shortly after her retirement, she traveled up and down the East Coast taking care of her grandchildren, whose parents had concession trailers. She would sometimes care for other children on the fairgrounds as well, as she was always there to help anyone out. She also enjoyed traveling to the coasts of New England with her family to visit the lighthouses and the beaches. But, to her grandchildren, the best travels were the trips to Lovey’s house. Visits to Lovey’s house were filled with laughter and affection. Grace found true happiness in the people she surrounded herself with, which was mirrored in the happiness she gave to others.

Grace was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Genevieve (Schuhl) Delong, as well as her husband, Dr. F. Daniel Larkin, with whom she spent 50 years in loving marriage. Grace is survived by her eldest daughter, Katherine Larkin, her husband, Steve Showers, and their children Molly and James. She is also survived by her youngest daughter, Susan Gillette, her husband, Brian Gillette, their daughter, Peyton, and their daughter and son-in-law, Kendall and Nate Denison, and her most recent joy, great-grandson Larkin Walter Denison.

Calling Hours will be held at Grummons-Bookhout-Bennett Funerals & Cremations, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta, NY 13820, US, on April 10, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. At Grace’s request there will be a private service held with family.

Donations in honor of her memory can be made to EDD Adaptive Sports, PO Box 1252, Williston, VT 05495

Grace will be laid to rest in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.