Grace M. Werkmeister

GRACE M. Werkmeister (AGE 76)

Loving daughter of the late Edward R. and Grace V. (nee: Carey) Werkmeister. Cherished sister of Edward O. (Marge), Carol (Chuck) Waishwell. Treasured aunt of Cindy (Norm) Woods, Margaret Werkmeister, Janice Newton, Brian (Lesa) Waishwell. Great aunt of 8 and a friend to all. Visitation: 3pm-9pm Sunday October 26, 2014 at Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home and Cemetery 11333 South Central Ave. Oak Lawn, Il Funeral Chapel Service Monday at 11:00 am. Interment to follow.

Info; www.chapelhillgardenssouth.com or 708-636-1200

To Grace M. Werkmeister, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, she was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Grace, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Grace really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Grace was born on October 19, 1938 at German Deaconess Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents were Edward R. And Grace V. (Carey) Werkmeister. Grace was raised in Chicago, Illinois. Even as a child, Grace had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn't’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family.

Always a good playmate, Grace was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even during family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Grace managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Grace was raised with two siblings. She had One younger brother Edward and one younger sister Carol.

All of Grace's playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, Grace experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. She took part in playing baseball, skating, horseshoes and bowling. In her spare time she liked reading comic books and watching T. V. Grace's memorable achievements included all the sports she was involved in.

Ask anyone who knew her from school and they would tell you that Grace was a class “cut-up.” She didn't’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Grace simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of her friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Grace, grades may not have been the most important thing to her, but she really did enjoy her school experience. Since experience was Grace's best teacher. She enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Grace graduated from Lindbloom High school in 1957. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was gym. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Murphy. Grace excelled in sports.

At work, as in life, Grace was a real “people person.” She had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Grace liked to see herself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Grace was an adaptable realist, using her common sense and trusting her experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Grace's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around her to see Grace as an excellent problem solver. Her primary occupation was as a key punch operator. She was employed for 20 years by Foute- Jones Company.

Grace enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She loved collecting Mickey Mouse Memoriablia and Penguin's. Her favorite pursuits were Bowling, Traveling and playing Golf. Grace was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Grace felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if she wasn’t the best, Grace loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Grace relished the opportunities where she could make an impact, and she would often push herself to play above her abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Grace never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. Recreational sports included Bowling, Golf and Roller Skating. Grace was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Football and Golf.

Grace had an endless appetite for new and different activities. She was always ready to join in the fun and add her flair and energy to an organization. Because of her personality, her humor, and her ability to get along with everyone, Grace's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which she belonged. Throughout her later years, Grace was an active member of the WIBC (Women's International Bowling Congress.

Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Grace recognized that her faith was important to her throughout her life. She was a member of Peace Memorial Church for 20 years.

Naturally outgoing and generous, Grace was regularly doing things for others. For her, the gift of giving to others was second nature. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Grace was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Being named to the Chicago Women's Bowling Hall of Fame.

Living life in the fast lane suited Grace just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. She was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included California, Florida, Las Vegas, and Texas. She bowled in almost every state along with once bowling in the White House.

Grace was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around other people. One of Grace's favorites was Poncho a little Chiwauwa. They were best friends for 16years.

Grace believed that you had to experience life, and her life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 2004, Grace took it in stride as one more way to have fun. With her boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Grace remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, she found new pleasure in being able to play more golf, travel and spend special time with family and friends. Even in retirement, Grace continued to stay in touch with her old friends and, since she'd never met a stranger, she made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

Grace passed away on October 22, 2014 at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Grace fought a brave battle against cancer. She is survived by her brother Ed sister-in law Marge Werkmeister, Sister Carol and brother-in-law Chuck Waishwell her nieces Cindy (Norm) Woods,Margaret Werkmeister, Janice Newton, Brian (Lesa) Waishwell her 8 great nieces and nephews Grace, Ryan, Jacob, Emily, Lauren, Anna, Dylan , Kara and her many cousins and friends who will miss her so very much. Services were held at Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home. Grace was laid to rest in Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

Grace brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Grace M. Werkmeister lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.