The Fredonia Garden Club has lost a beloved, long-time member. Grace Harris Grimes, “Amazing Grace,” passed away on Jan 3, 2017 at the age of 99.

She spent many years teaching and once retired, she spent her long years of retirement exploring her hobbies, such as traveling the world, sewing, crocheting and her love of gardening. Even at 99, she was active – going to church, attending Garden Club, exercise classes at the local senior center, bowling, volunteering at the Opera House or giving her time and money to those less fortunate.

Grace joined the Fredonia Garden Club in the early 1970s. She served as president three times, parliamentarian, horticulture chairman at the Chautauqua County Fair, lifetime member of FGCNYS, state judges council and was a Master Gardener. She received the “Personal Perennial Bloom” award in 2015.

She possessed a world of knowledge and she encouraged the group to participate in many areas — gardening, flower arranging, horticulture and conservation. She will be missed by all who knew her.

The Fredonia Garden Club will be purchasing a park bench in her memory to be placed in a Fredonia Park. Donations for the bench are greatly appreciated. These can be sent to: Mrs. Illa Merryweather, 19 Skyeandro Drive, Fredonia, N.Y. 14063.