Grace Ann Simoes

Grace Ann Simoes, (Wood), passed away early Saturday morning at Hackensack Meridian Hospital in Neptune at the age of 73. Grace is the middle child of Thomas and Martha (Glazder) Curivan of Newark.

Grace was born and raised in Newark, surrounded by a lot of friends and loved ones. She graduated East High School in Newark and completed business school before she married Samuel in April 1965. She was an exceptional typist and took shorthand.

She worked as secretary in the media center at Jonathon Dayton High School in Springfield for many years before she moved to Beach Haven West, NJ, where she took a job at Southern Regional High School in the child study team.

Grace will be lovingly missed by her husband of 53 years, Samuel, her devoted daughter, Kristine Mary, of Manahawkin, her son, Samuel Jr, her adoring grandchildren, Grace Ann and Thomas Samuel McCann and her son-in-law, Thomas F. McCann.

Grace took as much pride in herself as a wife and mother as she did in the beautiful home she and Sam built on the bay. There, she and her husband cultivated a strong sense of community in their neighborhood, were well admired, and hosted hundreds of parties and gatherings.

Her irreverent sense of humor and quick wit, earned Grace the title ‘life of the party’ as she was held in high regard by her large, close circle of friends. She embraced superior standards for her appearance and expected the same for others. She was quick to provide valuable advice like “never left the house without lipstick and always do your hair.”

Known to mostly everyone as Nanny, Grace’s grandchildren, Grace Ann and Thomas Samuel were the light of her life. She took leave from her job to care for both of them as babies. They loved and treasured her and she took great pride in the active, consistent role she held in their lives.

Grace is proceeded in death by her birth parents, adoptive parents, and two brothers. Friends and family are welcome to share stories and celebrate Grace’s life on Thursday, June 14 from 10 am – 12 noon at Ocean Community Church, 72 West, Manahawkin, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, Grace would prefer donations be made in Buster or Buddy (Simoes’) name to Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey New Jersey.

To leave online condolences for the family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com