In loving memory of
Grace Elizabeth Bemis
March 8, 1931 - May 31, 2017
Grace Elizabeth Bemis, 86, went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of May 31, 2017, in Bellevue, Washington. Her final days were shared surrounded by her family to the 4th generation.
Grace was born March 8th, 1931, in Ticonderoga, New York, to Malcolm and Evelyn King. The family lived in Putnam, New York for several years, where Malcolm worked as a farmer and a school bus driver. Grace had one older brother, Clarence, who died at the age of three in 1933, when Grace was just two years old. In high school, Grace met and began dating George Bemis, about 5 years her senior. Shortly after her 18th birthday, she married George in March of 1949, and she became Mrs. Grace Bemis.
George and Grace eventually settled into a home in Old Forge, New York, and had three children: Lester, Brenda, and Grace Ann. For some time, George and Grace worked together at the town movie theater and the bowling alley. George also worked for the New York State Conservation Department, specializing in Fish and Streams for many years.
Upon the birth of Lester's son, Martin (Marty), in 1980, Grace became a grandmother. Brenda soon also had a son, Joshua (Josh), and a daughter, Jessica (Jessi). George Bemis passed suddenly from heart failure in 1983.
In 1984, Grace relocated with Brenda and her family to the Seattle area of Washington State. Lester also moved to Washington State in time. Grace helped care for Josh and Jessi as children and was an integral part of the family. Josh and Jessi have fond memories of "Granny" helping them pack their newspapers for their newspaper route, making a favorite meal of chicken and biscuits and chocolate mayonnaise cake, looking for four-leaf clovers together, and singing funny songs to them.
Grace later moved into a senior living facility where she enjoyed many years of company with good friends. She had fun playing games like Mahjong, Poker, Bingo, or Dominoes, and loved going on the senior group outings.
She had a heart for country music and enjoyed gardening- she especially loved nasturtium, hollyhocks, and snapdragons. Her favorite pet was her dog, "Corky", a dachshund. She is most remembered for her quiet spirit, her good listening skills, and her sense of humor.
Grace is survived by her children: Lester Bemis, Brenda Back (with husband, John Back), and Grace Ann Bemis; her grandchildren: Marty Bemis, Josh Back (with wife, Melissa Back), Jessi Back, and step-granddaughter Greta Back; and her great-grandchildren: Jonah (10), Izzy (8), Taylor (8), and step-great-granddaughter, Ellie (4).
A Memorial Service will be held at Crown Point United Methodist Church, 1693 Creek Road, Crown Point, New York 12960, on Saturday, July 1st, at 11:00am.