Grace Caralyn Gaebelein

Gaebelein, Grace Caralyn (Cuiss, Seckinger)

age 104, of Jackson, passed away Monday, December 19, 2016. Grace was born on June 22, 1912 to Samuel and Lulu (Bahnmiller) Cuiss in Chicago, IL. As an infant, she moved to Jackson with her parents where she lived for the remainder of her life. Grace graduated from Jackson High School in 1930. During her senior year of high school, she joined The Rainbow Girls (Order of Eastern Star) as a charter member and went on to serve as Worthy Advisor. Grace was one of the first three Jackson members to hold office at the State Assembly of The Rainbow Girls in Detroit, MI. Grace graduated from Jackson Junior College (now Jackson Community College) in 1932. In 1939, she joined the Jackson Women's Club. At the time of her death, she had the honor of belonging to this group longer than any other living member. Throughout her life, Grace enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing bridge, watching sporting events and charity work. She served as President of Junior Dorcas Society (1953), President of Women's Club (1954), Chairman of the Arbor Hills Country Club Women's Bridge Club, Co-chairman with her husband (John Gaebelein) of Friday Night Couples Bridge Club, member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Honorary member of Chancel Guild. Grace is loved by many and will be greatly missed by family, friends, and the Tigers Baseball Club. She will be remembered for her gentle, warm and gracious spirit, sharp wit, her leadership and celebrated card playing skills.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Victor Cuiss; sister, Mary Lou (Cuiss) Kellogg; first husband, Lafayette Seckinger; second husband, John Gaebelein; son, Philip Seckinger; step-children, James Gaebelein and Joanne (Gaebelein) Way; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Seckinger) Babcock; and niece, Sandra Babcock. Grace leaves behind many loved ones to cherish her memory, including her son, John (Joan) Seckinger; daughter-in-law, Donna Seckinger; sister-in-law, Jackie Cuiss; six grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; step-great grandchildren and step-great-great grandchildren; first cousin, Reed (Verna) Lowden; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2017 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 11:00 AM with Reverend Richard Ressler officiating.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests that charitable donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Great Lakes Hospice or the charity of your choice in accordance to Grace's wishes.

Grace leaves us with these words of wisdom: "Keep love in your heart and a smile on your face always".

Desnoyer Funeral Home-Family owned for 126 years