Grace Kolenda

Grace was born in Aspra, Sicily August 1935. She immigrated to the U.S. in 1945. She is survived by her husband Tom Kolenda who she wed in 1955, this June they would have celebrated 68 years. Together they had five children, Bob Kolenda (Cindy), Don Kolenda (Carol), twins Cathy Stangl (Ricky) & Cindy Heffern (John) and Lisa Hinton (Doug).

Grace was a devoted wife and loving mother. She leaves a great legacy of 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. One of her biggest joys was holding all the babies and loving on her all her grands. She exemplified unconditional love not only to her family but everyone she encountered.

While she was primarily a mother and grandmother, she worked for several years in production at Marion Labs.

She loved to cook, sew,needle point, knit and was an accomplished quilter. She loved making countless items for family members. If anyone ever wanted something special she was happy to do it.

Grace and Tom were long time members of St. Regis Catholic Church and St. Margaret’s of Scotland Catholic Church. Their faith was a central part of their life.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Marie Balistreri; and grandson, Shawn Heffern.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 10-11 AM, remembrance at 11 AM, with Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM, all held at St Margaret’s of Scotland Catholic Church, 777 NE Blackwell Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO. Burial will follow at Floral Hills East Cemetery, 25203 E US Hwy 50, Lee's Summit, MO.

In Lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to Missouri Palliative and Hospice Care.