In Memory
Grace Prechtel Young ’57

January 3, 1936 – February 2007

Reflections from Rosalind Sally L. Santos Moldwin ’57

“Grace to you and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I Corinthians 1:4

A lovely, grace-filled classmate died in February.  Memories of her larger than life persona fill my and another classmate Kathy Morrow’s life, adventures and joys during our Macalester years! The lifelong friendships of the three of us has enriched, nurtured and blessed our lives, and continue to do so as we pay tribute to Gracie!

In 1997 as we met for our 40-Year Reunion, Grace was honored as a Distinguished Citizen for her work as an educator, especially at Earle Brown Elementary School in Brooklyn Center, Minn., where she was historically a teacher, special education teacher, assistant principal and eventually principal for many years, achieving for her school numerous Excellence in Education awards. Prior to her award at Mac she received various honors and awards from the State of Minnesota. Many did not know of the lifelong work and experiences of Gracie. I am grateful that the friends and family that nominated her and the people who chose her for the award at Macalester were able to honor her when she was still alive. It is uncanny that when she spoke to receive her Distinguished Citizen award, one of her family members and I saw some dimension of our Gracie’s sharp and lucid mind! (We only in retrospect spoke of it after her death!)

Gracie, all her life, was helping and caring and nurturing people. If it was not for Gracie’s generous spirit in sharing her and her family’s friendship and hands-on assistance or support where needed, I think my life at Mac would not have been as rich and full. I think Kathy would agree with me that Gracie’s support and friendship sustained and strengthened us through many challenges at Mac. She did these quietly and gracefully.

She worked at the A&W near her home after school and weekends.  One day, she asked me, “If you had the money, what would you like to do at this time?” She knew I was very financially challenged and was working two jobs and carrying a great academic load to finish in three years. But at that time, Gracie and I were just dreaming. “What would I like to do?” I answered without much hesitation, “I’d like to take voice lessons!” At that time, JoAnne Juul Desmond ’57 was giving them and Gracie arranged that I have some voice lessons using a tenth of her A&W money which she had set aside for “missionary work” to help me! Singing especially with the Macalester choir and Maestro Ian Morton was one of the greatest joys I had at Mac! Thank you Gracie for enriching my voice and life. I am still singing, and will sing with you and the angels when we see each other again.

Gracie died under hospice care, and I hear from family still with a cheerful spirit, though physically changed by the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Since she was diagnosed in 1997, shortly after our 40-Year Reunion, her husband David; her son Brock and his wife Anissa; her daughter Krista and three grandchildren; and sisters Esther McClung and Nancy Harris and their families lovingly and patiently cared for her. Her husband continued his caring and love when he transferred her to a skilled facility in October 2004 and subsequently, Hospice.

We of Class 1957 are a group of wonderful persons, who have made great differences in the lives of the peoples and communities and each other. We congratulate our class and pay special tribute to a wonderful classmate, Grace Prechtel Young!