Gracia H. (Bergstrom) Stuessy

Gracia Stuessy was born in Duluth, Minnesota to Jennie and Edwin Bergstrom on November 4, 1924. She passed from this world on April 23, 2018 at home in Batavia, Illinois at the age of 93. She was named Grace, but called Gracia since she was a teen. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Edwina, Ethel, and Doris, sisters- and brothers-in-law. She loved and was dearly loved by her three daughters, Anne Stuessy, Mary Peters, and Margi Stuessy, son-in-law Bob Peters, grandchildren Erika and Alex Peters, sister-in-law, Caroline Stuessy, and a close flock of nieces and nephews.

Gracia was a remarkable woman. She served in the U.S. Navy’s WAVES during WWII as a pharmacist’s mate 3rd class (stationed at the San Diego Naval Hospital), helped her husband Milton F. Stuessy build his medical practice, worked as an Occupational Therapist until her retirement, was an artist and had her work shown in the Fox Valley (Illinois) with other Yellow House and Fine Line artists.

In addition to art, mom loved our cats and dogs, road trips, card nights (we think she cheated), reading, jigsaw puzzles, music, dinners out, and a nightly sherry. She was a vibrant presence, the heart of our family, and she fully believed in each of us. We will miss her more than words can express.

She will be interred at Fort Snelling in Minnesota this summer. The family is creating a memorial for the University of Minnesota Occupational Therapy Program in her name. The family is forever grateful to the caring staff of Northwestern Medicine Hospice and Brightstar, and especially to Laura, Pat, and Nisha.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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