Entered Life: November 10, 1932
Entered Eternal Life: November 15, 2023
A forever-cherished IBVM friend.
Grace Margaret Creighton, born November 10th, 1932, indeed embodied her name. Grace was born in Chicago to the late Mary (Cullen) and Dr. Matthew Creighton and was one of five children. Three siblings precede her in death, Rev. Matthew Creighton SJ, Mary Creighton IBVM, and Robert Creighton. She is survived by her brother Rev. Jim Creighton SJ, (Clarkston MI) her sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Creighton and nephew Rob. Much of Grace’s career centered around her love of education. She taught in both the Detroit and Chicagoland areas. Her years as administrator/principal at both St. Bride’s and St. Bernard’s schools in Chicago hold treasured memories for teachers and students alike. A talented administrator, and not one to let problems overwhelm, living in solutions came naturally to her. Grace spent the last twenty years of her career as an educational consultant for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Her life story is one of dynamic influence and care.
Memorials may also be mailed to IBVM Development Office, Box 508, Wheaton, IL 60187.
Funeral Reflection by Kay Foley, IBVM
December 1, 2023
We gather to praise not only a valiant woman, but also an amazing woman. Her name, Grace Margaret Creighton, faithful to her family and friends, her students and colleagues, strong in her love, her remembrances of them and her care for them.
We gather to sing her praises. She would love to hear our voices singing along with her and our fabulous choir. Grace had an amazing voice that she loved to share. I, myself, loved to hear her sing O Holy Night, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, We Shall Overcome, Precious Lord, Mame and of course, one of her many favorites, Panis Angelicus. Grace sang at weddings, funerals, events, parties and whatever else was going on. What a gift her voice was and how generous she was to share it with us!
Grace was a victim of Parkinson’s disease and experienced the loss of her voice. This was a major struggle for her and a very heavy cross. Knowing Grace, one of her greatest gifts was her memory that helped her remember the words of her songs and the high notes that she loved to sing. I’m sure that one of the strengths that she had to live out each day was drawn from her love for music and singing her songs quietly in her mind and heart.
Who is a “valiant” woman or what defines a “valiant” woman? I believe a valiant woman to be a woman who stands tall, speaks the truth and who lives the Beatitudes. That’s my Gracie and hopefully it is yours too. I also believe that Grace’s role model, 2nd to her mother, was Mary Ward, the founder of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Throughout at least 25 years of her life, Grace had the initials IBVM following her name and her title was either Sister Thaddeus, Mother Thaddeus or Sister Grace. The last book that Grace was reading sat on her bed stand at St. Patrick’s Residence: Mary Ward: First Sister of Feminism by an English gentleman, Sydney Thorne.
In the late 1970’s, Grace, like Mother Teresa of Calcutta, heard a new call inviting her to leave her ministry as teacher/principal and work in the Archdiocese of Chicago on the Board of Education. She loved it and served wholeheartedly for over 25 years. Grace qualifies as a Valiant woman! Would anyone who agrees with me, please stand tall and clap your hands.
Grace did stand tall, she did speak the truth and she was humble. Much of her Beatitude work was done undercover.
She loved the poor and worked to assist them in receiving preferential treatment. For example: Many students found themselves in high schools and colleges/universities with scholarships attached to their graduation diplomas.
She mourned with those who mourned.
She empowered the meek, she fed the hungry and the thirsty. She was merciful and compassionate. Grace was a peacemaker, she strived to reconcile disputes and she involved herself in peace and justice issues.
Grace did not do all these things by herself. She was supported by her family, her friends and her companion workers. She had a way of drawing people into her life and various ministries. She brought fun, laughter and joy into whatever she did. She was welcoming and inclusive and will remain in our memories as valiant and amazing.
Grace wants me to give a special thank you and a big hug to each one of you here today. She loved to “build the city of God” and that’s what we are doing here today.
The one to receive the biggest hug is her dear and beloved friend, Mary Ellen McDonnell. Grace and Mary Ellen were and will continue to be a great team. Grace would readily admit that she would not be able to live through Parkinson’s disease without Mary Ellen. The caring, concern and love was always there for both of them. Mary Ellen, trying to find the words to thank you for the companion and caregiver you has been is impossible. The best I can say is “Mary Ellen McDonnell, you, too, are a valiant and amazing woman!”
In closing, St Paul in our 2nd reading, Jesus through the Beatitudes, and Grace through her daily life send us these words: “The lessons I taught you, the traditions I have passed on to you, all that you heard me say or saw me do, put into practice and the God of peace will be with you always.” Amen.
Gosh this PAINS my heart. Sister Grace’s name came across my heart. I had to remember her last name. The Lord allowed me to find her name quickly online! I hoped that the Obituary was not hers. But it is. I attended St Bernard from first to 8th grade! Boy did she love on our family. Four of my siblings inc myself attended St Bernard. Occasionally I have had dreams of being in that building.
Foolishly, I did not reach out to tell her as an adult that she meant a a great deal to me & my family. My heart is sad but I know my mother met Sister Grace as she entered into Heaven. When I read the words “Sister Ellen”! Wow! I did not know they were best friends. I remember you well sister Ellen. “The prettiest Nun at St. Bernard” all of the students called you this Sister Ellen! I remember our math teacher “Sister Catherine” “Sister Elizebeth” “Sister Majory” “Mrs Burts in the Library” Her daughters were Linda & Brenda (who was my best friend. You were my brother Robert & my sister Marsha’s 7th & 8th grade teacher.
I still have dreams of that Cafeteria downstairs, the front steps of St. Bernards & of the lawn in front of the school for some reason. I remember when the Church Building was torn down. It was a magnificent Building. Some of us are still friends on FACEBOOK surprisedly! I loved Sister Grace, our Principal. I was there when she was promoted as “Principal”. She taught us Christmas songs. She wanted us to pronounce Mary as “Maa-ry” That has. never left me sometimes I would randomly say that. I also remember Sister Ellen; you taught us our first “PLAY” (performed on The Gym Flr.) – This was the song we acted to & sang “Tell O Bill When He Comes Home, This Morning. Tell Old Bill When He Comes Home This Evening. Tell Oh Bill When He Comes Home To Leave Those Downtown Women Alone. This Morning, This Evening, So Soon.” Tina Dugay Played -Bills Wife, Rodney Drake Played -Bill”
I also, remember being sick and went to the Principles office / Sister Grace. She told someone “Take her to the cafeteria, give a carton of milk to drink” SISTER GRACE HAS GREAT DISCERNMENT, SHE WAS CORRECT. AFTER DRINKING THAT CHOCOLATE MILK… I FELT BETTER IMMEDIATELY! SHE WAS OUR SECOND MOTHER… WHO LOVED US! I LOVE U SISTER GRACE & I AM IN LOVE WITH THE LORD! (ELANA COOPER)