Grace King died at home in Santa Clara on March 5, 2004. Born in
San Jose on March 12, 1909, to David and Marie Long, Grace attended
San Jose schools and graduated with a teaching credential from San
Jose State. She also took advanced classes at San Francisco State
and Chico State over the years.
Grace King died at home in Santa Clara on March 5, 2004.
Born in San Jose on March 12, 1909, to David and Marie Long, Grace attended San Jose schools and graduated with a teaching credential from San Jose State. She also took advanced classes at San Francisco State and Chico State over the years.
After graduating, Grace ventured to Weed in Syskiyou County where teachers were in great demand in 1930. There she taught elementary and high school, later teaching junior high classes at College of the Syskyous.
In Weed, Grace met her future husband, Otis Smith, who was in the furniture business. They retired to Rossmore (Contra Costa County) in 1965, where she continued an active schedule, teaching jewelry and art classes. After Mr. Smith’s death, Grace moved to Gilroy to be near her aunt and uncle, Gerry and Justin Byers. In 1972, Grace married William King, who died in 1985.
Grace loved gardening, sewing, art and going to the casinos, but her true passion was bridge. Grace would drive to tournaments all over the Bay Area to earn master points. She was a member of numerous bridge clubs in Gilroy and hosted many bridge parties at her Princevalle Street home.
Grace also loved to travel, especially by cruise ship. She traveled the world With her aunt and uncle during her marriages, and took many trips to South America and even more to China and Hong Kong. Grace’s collection of Asian art and furniture was admired by all who entered her home.
Grace was a true lady, loved and respected by all who knew her
Grace was a member of the California Teachers Association, CLAS, St. Mary’s Church and Delta Kappa Gamma sorority.
She will be missed by her niece Joan Gyda of Maryland; stepson Charles King of San Jose; and stepdaughter Gail Ronald of Petaluma. She will also be missed by many friends in Gilroy and Santa Clara.
Grace was preceded in death by her brother, Oswald “Bud” Long.
Burial was private. A memorial mass will be held in St. Mary’s Chapel, Gilroy on Monday, March 15, at 1 a.m. Arrangements were made by Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to Gilroy Assistance League, the Lord’s Table or the Gilroy Foundation.
